RESIDENTS across south Warwickshire woke up to a blanket of snow on Sunday morning (December 11).
Fun, frolics and freakishly treacherous roads were the order of the day as snow continued to fall, reaching several inches thick in parts. Though in some areas there was just a sprinkling.
Families braved the cold to build snowmen, have snowball fights, ride their sledges and take in the festive beauty.
But there was a more sobering side with a major yuletide Stratford event cancelled and Warwickshire Police advising motorists to avoid travelling if possible following a high number of road collisions in the area.
Officers at the control room in Stratford quickly spotted the high number of collisions occurring – particularly in the town and the surrounding area – and urged drivers to avoid travelling until the weather cleared.
A police spokesperson said: “Due to the high number of collisions in the south of Warwickshire this morning, one involving three cars at once, we are now asking motorists in the Stratford area to avoid travel unless it’s imperative.
“The snow will clear soon – but being involved in a collision can have medical and financial consequences for you and your loved ones that last months, years or even a lifetime.
“If you have no other choice but to travel, please ensure you take extra caution.
“Until the roads are clearer, please ask yourself if your journey warrants putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk.
“For those other parts of the county which have not been affected by snow, please also remember to take extra caution in icy conditions.”
Meanwhile Stratford’s Victorian Christmas Market was cancelled on its final day.
Following three successful days of the hugely popular event, organisers made the tricky decision to pull the plug on day four due to the snow.
A spokeswoman for Stratford District Council released the following statement on Sunday morning (December 11) – which some residents labelled “ironic”.
“Unfortunately due to heavy snow and dangerous conditions, the Stratford Victorian Christmas Market has been cancelled today.”
The decision proved unpopular with some Twitter users.
Jon Knight posted: “The Victorian Market in Stratford was closed today but even at 10:30am shoppers were appearing. I spoke to a trader who was a bit miffed that winter weather was closing a Christmas market. I bet doubly so if she saw the bemused crowds at lunchtime.”
Lee Marshall also posted: “So glad we got up early this morning to visit the Stratford Victorian Christmas Market. Stratford looked amazing with the little bit of fresh snow that had dropped.
“Just a shame that some idiot decided that because of the snow it was “unsafe” and it was cancelled.”
