Video: Snow chaos continues

Aberdeenshire schools shut for second day

By Neil Evans and Alison Rennie

Published: 06/01/2010

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DEESIDE was the coldest place in Britain as the big freeze continued to cause havoc.

More than 180 schools were closed for a second day, with weather experts warning another five inches (12cms) of snow could fall today.

And it was revealed criminals were brought in to clear snow-bound roads and paths.

The mercury plummeted to -13C (8F) at 4am in Aboyne, making it the coldest place in the UK.

In Aberdeen 12 schools were closed completely or had no transport operating.

And all 172 schools in Aberdeenshire remained shut after director of education Bruce Robertson ordered a blanket closure.

Mr Robertson said he hoped the authority would soon be able to let schools make their own decisions on opening.

Aberdeenshire Council has also drafted in criminals carrying out community service to clear roads and pavements.

But a spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said: “We are not using community service people to clear snow.”

A driver escaped injury today after his car careered off the A947 Newmachar to Oldmeldrum road at Whiterashes.

The A950 between New Pitsligo and Methlick and the A98 between Macduff and New Pitsligo were closed to allow gritters to clear the road.

And the A93 Braemar to Glenshee and the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul at the Lecht were also closed.

Travellers at Aberdeen Airport were today hit with several delays and cancelled flights.

Fifteen flights in and out of Aberdeen were cancelled, including planned services to Heathrow, Gatwick Bristol and Birmingham.

And the main rail line between Aberdeen and Inverness reopened today after being forced to close because of drifting snow.

How has the weather affected you? Have your say below or e-mail: ee.news@ajl.co.uk

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