Dozens more Birmingham and West Midlands schools expected to stay closed
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DOZENS of schools are expected to remain closed again tomorrow after a third day of freezing temperatures ensured roads in Birmingham and the Midlands remained exceptionally dangerous.
Around 300 schools in Birmingham, the Black Country and wider West Midlands were closed for a second day today. Many blamed icy roads and pavements around schools for the closures, saying they didn't want to risk the safety of pupils.
Birmingham City Council insisted it would not be imposing a blanket closure on schools - despite many parents demanding such a move because it would reduce confusion.
Solihull Council, which imposed a blanket closure yesterday, has once again said it will be up to schools to decide. Just one high school in Solihull remained closed today.
Some schools are opening only for exams taking place tomorrow.
A spokesman for Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre said: "We are disappointed to announce school is closed on Friday 8th January.
"City council grit and salt supplies cannot be guaranteed and therefore we cannot keep the access to school or the school site clear. However, we can guarantee that the school will be open for those students sitting external exams, even if it is shut for others."
Trains services were more disrupted today than at any other time since the cold snap began, with Virgin services from London to Birmingham New Street delayed or cancelled.
Ice and snow also caused many Chiltern Railways services, between Snow Hill and London, to be cancelled.
Temperatures fell to -10C overnight, and struggled to break above freezing this morning, leaving roads - especially side roads which have not been treat - icy.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "There have been a number of calls this morning where cars have skidded and been involved in collisions on black ice, and we urge everyone to take great care."
Police said icy conditions had caused a series of crashes between two lorries and two cars on the Black Country Route dual carriageway in Willenhall earlier, causing long delays.
Five other vehicles were damaged by a car skidding on ice in another incident nearby.
Gritting vehicles remain out in force across the area.
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