Dozens of schools stay closed on Friday as travel chaos predicted
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THE WEST MIDLANDS was tonight once again in the grip of Artic temperatures as the mercury fell to -14C in parts of the region.
Up to 200 schools across the Midlands closed again today, with dozens confirming that they won't be opening again tomorrow either.
Motorists were once again being advised not to travel unless they really have to after a day in which sub-freezing conditions led to numerous accidents across the region.
Public transport also suffered its worst day of delays and cancellations as snow turned to ice, causing problems for buses and trains.
Met Office weather forecasts suggested the chance of some snow overnight in Birmingham, with more likely on Sunday and Monday.
By 10pm today, 44 schools in Birmingham had confirmed they wouldn't be opening on Friday, with most blaming "health and safety" reasons such as pavements around schools being unsafe.
A statement on Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre's website blamed the fact the city council couldn't guarantee streets around the school would be gritted as the reason they would be closed, while Bournville Junior and Bournville Infant Schools reported a gas leak.
Banners Gate Junior School in Sutton Coldfield said it would be closed because of "ery hazardous icy and snowy conditions on the adjacent roads to the school, which pose a serious health and safety problem for children, parents and staff."
Holy Trinity Catholic Media Arts College is Small Heath said it would be shut because of " hazardous conditions on the adjacent roads to the college, which pose a serious health and safety risk for children, parents / carers, staff and drivers."
Holte Visual and Performing Arts College in Lozells was one of several to blame broken boilers, while other pointed to heating and kitchen equipment faults caused by the bad weather.
Some schools are now placing work on their websites for pupils to complete.
But despite criticism from some parents for confusion over which schools were opened and which were closed, Birmingham City Council insisted it would not impose a blanket closure.
Both the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University remained open, but urged visitors and students to check staff were in before travelling.
On the roads, police were forced to urge drivers to take more care after a series of accidents across the area.
Gritters are once again out in force across the region, but are still concetrating on main roads only.
That has led to bin collections in some parts of the region, including Birmingham and Walsall, from being stopped due to inaccessible roads.
Bus services operated by National Express have been subject to delays and altered routes due to the dangerous roads.
Rail travellers are also being told to expect more delays and cancellations tomorrow on the region's trains.
