Snow wreaks havoc across county

WORKERS are battling in through the arctic conditions sweeping across the city to make it into shops and offices in time for the working day.

Children were dusting off sledges to hit the hills as schools and colleges across the county have ground to a standstill. More than 300 have been shut, but some pupils were forced to brave it in to take exams.

One of the first casualties of the snowfall was a young driver in Cinderford whose car slid down a bank and into the fence of a pensioners home in Parragate Road.

The 21-year-old's silver Peugeot 206 smashed through a gate, stopping just inches from the front door of the house.

Another fence has been removed so the homeowner can gain access.

Luckily there were no injuries, but the young driver was said to be in shock.

It was considered too hazardous to rescue the car last night due to mounting build-ups of snow.

Gloucester city's main streets remained eerily quiet as the snow continues to fall and winds begin to pick up.

Gloucester Crown Court remains open today and hospitals are urging all staff to call in if they can help out at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals.

Hospital treatment and closures update:

Outpatient Appointments

Outpatient appointments at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will continue to take place this morning (Friday January 18th).

Oncology appointments and the hospitals' fracture clinics will continue to run all day.

This afternoon (Friday January 18) all outpatient appointments except Oncology and Fracture Clinic, have been cancelled

Planned (Elective) Surgery

If you are expecting to come to Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals for planned (elective) surgery today (Friday January 18th ), please assume that this will go ahead unless you are contacted by the hospital.

Treatment at the Weekend (January 19 and 20)

Patients who are expecting to come to hospital for any planned treatment this weekend should attend as planned, unless you receive a phone call from the hospital to say otherwise.

Leaving Hospital

If you are expecting to collect a family member or friend from hospital today or during the weekend, please do try to get to the hospital as planned, this is of great help at a time when we may need more beds than usual.

Keep the Emergency Department for Emergencies

During this period of adverse weather, we are appealing for everyone to take special care on slippery services and only attend our Emergency Departments in an emergency, this will help us to provide the best possible care for all patients. Thank you.

Although both hospitals are fully staffed anyone who can work on Friday or Saturday is urged to come forward to help out and continue providing services.

If any staff can help please call

• 0300 422 5941

• 0300 422 5942

• 0300 422 5943

Further updates will be provided during the day.

For more information visit http://www.gloshospitals.org.uk.