Somerset snow: Schools close and travel disrupted

The snow has lead to the closure of many Somerset schools

More than 250 schools in Somerset are closed because of heavy snow.

Somerset closed 183 while 86 were shut in Bath and North East Somerset after 7in (18cm) of snow fell on the county.

In West Somerset, the council warned that it was having trouble keeping some roads open and the police warned drivers should not travel.

First Bus suspended buses services in Bath and Wells while Taunton firm Hatch Green Coaches said it had withdrawn all of its services.

"We're advising motorists, in particular heavy goods vehicles, to avoid making journeys unless they are absolutely necessary," Avon and Somerset Police said.

Train operator South West has cancelled its Yeovil to London Waterloo service.

Berry's Coaches have cancelled all schools and college services but the London Express is still running.

Elsewhere, managers of the Royal United Hospital in Bath were asking patients and visitors not to travel to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

Chief operating officer Francesca Thompson said: "Most of the hospital outpatient clinics are running this morning, but we are asking patients and visitors not to put themselves at risk by travelling to the hospital, unless it's absolutely necessary.

"If anyone has been trying to contact the hospital today and they've not been successful in getting through, please don't worry - it's because we are experiencing a high number of calls."

The University of Bath and Bath Spa University said all campus buildings were closed.

Bath and North East Somerset Council said all waste collections had been suspended and recycling centres were closed.