Snow latest - live blog (From Leigh Journal)

5:21pm

5:10pm

You can email your snow pictures to us over the weekend at hayley.smith@nqnw.co.uk or tweet us @leighjournal.  You can also post a picture on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/leighjournal

4:24pm

David Eckersley and Victoria Callaghan, from Hindley, sent us this picture taken during a walk in Taylor Park, St Helens

4:15pm

3:30pm

Police are reminding people to take extra care to stay safe during the current freeze and make sure that they and their vehicles are fully prepared for hold ups and emergencies that may occur.

Motorists are urgedto check their route before travelling and to ensure they are equipped for the winter weather.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett from GMP said: “We know that the cold snap is set to continue for the next few days, which is why it is important that people continue to be on their guard and prepared for any possible deterioration in the weather.

“During the cold weather it is particularly important that residents look out for older and vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk. Please take the time to look in on them, you will make them feel cared for, a little happier and reassured and you could even save a life.

“If you should get stuck when out in your car having extra warm clothes, a hot drink, snack and a fully charged mobile phone in your vehicle should help you get mobile or stay comfortable till help arrives."

2:49pm

2:31pm

While some snow may fall again this afternoon, it is ice that is likely to be the biggest problem on the roads over the weekend.

Snow is not forecast for Saturday or Sunday according to the Met Office.

But the temperature will remain close to zero meaning the snow will be slow to thaw.

1:30pm

1:30pm

1:30pm

1:28pm

THE North West Ambulance Service says it has cancelled a lot of today's transport to and from the region's hospitals.

The appointments will be rearranged where possible.

1:28pm

THE North West Ambulance Service says it has cancelled a lot of today's transport to and from the region's hospitals.

The appointments will be rearranged where possible.

1:08pm

HEALTH chiefs are bracing themselves for high numbers of patients who have suffered injuries after slips, trips or falls in the snow.

Mike Cheshire, NHS north west medical director, said: “We need older people and those who have long-term conditions to make sure they keep taking their medication and have sufficient supplies so that they don’t need to go out for more during the cold spell.

“We also need everyone to help our A&E and 999 teams by only using them for life-threatening and urgent conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents.”

Anyone with a common complaint or non-life-threatening condition are advised to contact their GP, dial NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 / NHS111 or go and see their local pharmacy for advice and help.

12:36pm

Schools across the area have closed due to the snow.

They include: 

• Leigh St Peter's CE Primary School & Nursery
• Leigh Westleigh Methodist Primary School
• Westleigh St. Paul's CE Primary School
• St Richard's Catholic Primary School, Atherton
• Twelve Apostles Catholic Primary School, Westleigh, Leigh
• St Luke's CE Primary School, Lowton

12:28pm

12:28pm

12:28pm

12:28pm