Several schools across the Staffordshire Moorlands closed their doors on Thursday and Friday due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
More snow fell in the Moorlands overnight on Thursday and into Friday morning, leading to difficult conditions on many school sites.
More than 20 schools in the Moorlands and over 70 county-wide, took the decision to close on Friday and informed their parents via text, email and school websites.
Several roads were closed including routes out of Leek, roads into the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.
In the Moorlands, a Met Office Amber weather warning was in place. Hill contractors and snow ploughs were out helping to clear roads. High winds on Thursday night caused snow drifts in the higher areas. Moorlands Police asked drivers to avoid the A53 between Leek and Buxton and A523 between Leek and Macclesfield.
David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said: “Our crews have been coping with some quite tough conditions on the county’s roads, especially up in the Moorlands which often sees the worst of any bad weather.
“We constantly monitor the weather and conditions on major roads across Staffordshire, so are ready to roll whenever and wherever we are needed.
“We would ask that people are careful, drive to the conditions of the road, and in case of really bad weather, only go out if it is essential.”
Gritters and snow ploughs were out across the area from Wednesday onwards to try and keep roads clear.
Waste collections across Staffordshire Moorlands were suspended due to heavy snow fall and road conditions.
