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Fresh snowfall causes widespread disruption
Fresh snow and black ice have shut schools and created extremely hazardous conditions on Dales roads.
Derbyshire Constabulary has confirmed officers attended nine accidents in our area between midnight and noon on Wednesday, although all were classified as 'minor'.
They included collisions in Darley Dale, Hassop, Matlock, Hartington, Wirksworth and Tansley.
Many motorists chose to abandon cars on the A621 between Baslow and Owler Bar, which was reported to be very dangerous due to a thick layer of black ice.
Highways chiefs have closed some other Derbyshire roads – including the A632 road between Sandy Lane in Chesterfield and Acorn Ridge in Matlock, including Slack Hill.
Trent Barton warned its buses, which include the TransPeak service, were travelling behind schedule and would not tackle untreated roads.
Highfields School in Matlock has closed, but exam students should still attend their tests and students already on the way in will be looked after.
Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth and Lady Manners School in Bakewell were both opened, but staff will monitor the weather throughout the day.
The following primary schools were closed on Wednesday morning: Ambergate Primary School, Darley Dale Primary School, Grindleford Primary School, Matlock All Saints Infants' and Pre-School, Wirksworth Infants School and Wirksworth Junior School.
Lea Primary School and Ashover Primary School were both due to open at 10am.
Police have praised the "real community spirit" shown by Dales residents, during the longest cold snap in 30 years.
Derbyshire Constabulary said farmers have helped to clear roads and many motorists have stopped to dig out stuck vehicles.
The force thanked people who have taken time to ensure vulnerable members of the community are safe and well.
Ch Supt Peter Lewis said: "I have been very impressed with real community spirit that has been shown during the severe weather, with residents helping each other to overcome the problems caused by the snow and ice.
"This type of neighbourliness goes a long way during difficult situations."
Derbyshire County PCT has urged patients in Matlock to use health services wisely in the current weather conditions.
Assistant director Jackie Pendleton advised people to stay at home and only call GP and emergency services if absolutely necessary.
She said: "To ensure ambulances, other emergency and health services can focus on reaching and treating the most urgent cases, people in Matlock are being asked only ring 999 in an emergency.
"Patients are encouraged to call their clinic ahead of any appointments to check there have been no alterations. Also if they are unable to keep a routine medical appointment due to the weather conditions patients should contact their surgery or hospital to make them aware and re-arrange an alternative time and date."
She added the county's GP surgeries, accident and emergency departments and other health services were so far coping with demand.
The snow has also forced the closure of the Holestone Gate Road in both directions over Holestone Moor and Winnats Pass in Castleton.
The A619 Baslow Road between Top Lane and the B6050 will remain closed until February 1 due to roadworks. Motorists should follow diversions.
If you have been affected by the snow let us know your story below, or by emailing news@matlockmercury.co.uk.
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Weather for Matlock
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
