Blighted by the snow

Photo: Pictures by: VINCENT BROWN, DARREN ROBINSON and CHRIS SUNDERLAND

STRANDED . . . the A627M go-slow

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Pictures by: VINCENT BROWN, DARREN ROBINSON and CHRIS SUNDERLAND
OLDHAM is battling its worst ever weather conditions — and there is no end in sight to the snow and ice.

Blizzard-like conditions and plunging temperatures forced many motorists to ditch their cars and brave the elements on foot and the vast majority of the borough’s schools stayed shut after the Christmas break.

Temperatures plummeted to -10.7C on Monday — the lowest on record in Oldham — and several inches of snow fell in a short space of time leaving the borough resembling a scene from a Christmas card.

But while it’s been a nightmare for those of us who need to get to work, the snow has provided hours of fun for youngsters who have been making the most of extra time off school.

In Delph, an innovative farmer used his mini-tractor to deliver supplies to marooned residents.

Michael Fancy (48) landlord at The Royal Oak at Heights, used a shovel on the front of his vehicle to carry bags of shopping to families snowed up in the hillside community.

But some Oldhamers have been risking their lives despite stark warnings to stay away from frozen rivers, lakes and streams. Chronicle photographer Chris Sunderland snapped a series of footprints on snow covering the boating lake at Alexandra Park.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a serious warning about the dangers of frozen bodies of water in a bid to prevent needless deaths.

There were two deaths in 2009 from people falling into frozen-over water when ice gave way.

The majority of accidents were had by dog walkers and children prompting RoSPA to issue the warning after the majority of schools were closed.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA’s head of leisure safety, said: “Winter is a great time for children and adults to get out and about but ice-related drownings are entirely and easily preventable. Be very careful around the edges of lakes because snow can obscure them and keep your dog on a lead.

“Although frozen water can look tempting there’s simply no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight and by the time you find out it could be too late.

“Children are among those most at risk because frozen lakes present natural ice skating opportunities. So, with thousands of children off school we are encouraging parents to talk to their children about the hazards of frozen water when playing outside.”

Over the last 10 years, 20 people have died in the UK after falling into water through ice and many others had to be rescued.