Ploughing on regardless

Robert Wells with his dog Alfie in Higher Turf Lane, Scouthead. Photo: Anthony Miller.

Sharp easterly winds and snowfall left many Saddleworth motorists grappling to negotiate secondary routes to Huddersfield and other cross-moorland destinations yesterday.

From 7am, First Manchester began changing bus services because severe weather prevented them reaching some areas.

The majority of services returned to normal by early to mid-afternoon, but in Saddleworth villages were hit badly with the 184 service unable to reach Dobcross and Diggle. Buses started missing Delph due to the road conditions.

Hundreds of Oldham pupils had an early finish when several schools closed because of snow.

Blue Coat and Oldham Academy North closed at 1.15pm, and pupils were also sent home early from Kingfisher School, Chadderton and Kingsland School in Watersheddings.

Several primary schools closed throughout the day while Bare Trees, Chadderton, was closed with a heating problem.