More snow heading to Bristol
More snowfall is expected in the Bristol area over the next few days.
Forecasters were predicting wintry showers today with the possibility of snow overnight.
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Thursday and Friday were both expected to bring more snow.
Although Monday's snowfall was receding yesterday, there were plenty of opportunities for youngsters to build snowmen, have snowball fights and go sledging, particularly in North Somerset, where 33 schools shut for the day.
Only two schools in Bristol – Bankleaze primary in Lawrence Weston and Oasis Academy in Hengrove were shut but in North Somerset, 27 out of 65 primary schools were closed, as were six out of 10 secondary schools.
The majority of school closures in North Somerset were in Weston-super-Mare. The resort saw 15 of its 25 primary schools shut for the day and three out of four secondary schools in the resort also told pupils not to attend.
These were Wyvern Community, Worle and Priory Community with only Broadoak Community remaining open.
Overall across the district the figure for secondary school closures remained high with six out of 10 closed.
Julian Baldwin, head teacher at Backwell, defended the early decision not to open the school.
He said: "Had we have opened, it could have been that by 10am or midday we could have had several accidents. I am not prepared to take that risk and I do not think I should have done."
Those schools which did open were Gordano School in Portishead, Clevedon Community School and St Katharine's in Pill.
Some schools did open and reported having a great time in the snow but St Barnabas Primary School in Portishead decided to close after a few hours.
Lesley Hibberd, school administrator, said the decision was made to ensure pupils got home safely.
She said: "We opened in the morning but we took the decision to close the school for the afternoon and contacted parents asking them to collect pupils at 1pm.
15 Comments
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by Jamie, bedminster
Thursday, February 05 2009, 12:57PM
“More snow..... I don't believe it. What about getting the children that are not in school clearing up the mess we're already it”
by Yate.., Yate
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 11:13PM
“Snoowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!
:D”
by Andy, City Centre
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 10:33PM
“Here it comes! (I think).”
by Clark Jeremyson, That London
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 10:28PM
“How come when the weathers fine, mothers drop their kids off in their big 4x4s but as soon as it snows they're nowhere to be seen.”
by Nikki, Little Stoke
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 6:52PM
“I don't think we've bred a nation of wimps I think we've bred a nation who will sue (and win) for anything including slipping on the ice. If this ice is on the school premesis then the school is at fault, and no head teacher wants numerous law suits on their hands!”
by Patrick, Bristol
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 3:57PM
“We really have bred a nation of wimps haven't we? Can't go to school, or to work because of a little fall of snow - what a terible example! I remember that in 1963, yes I am that old, I was doing long distance running on the Berkshire Downs to keep fit because we could not physically play rugby, or hockey. It is also worth noting that in the first 15 years of its life as a civilian airport (from 1946 to 1961) Heathrow didn't close for snow onn one single occasion! Our ancestors must be turning in their graves at the thought of today's weak willed generation!”
by gerry, bristol
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 3:42PM
“I also walked nearly two miles to school as did the teachers, school was never closed, we also put up with power cuts. Everyone just got on with it.”
by Big Mo, Bristol
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 12:54PM
“I find it hard enough walking to the bus that stops right outside our door, even when it's dry. It's a day off watching daytime telly and eating Mars bars for me and Fat Dave. I'm just hoping the Tesco van can get through to refill the larder tomorrow.”
by Nigel, North Bristol
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 12:30PM
“I schooled in the early 80's in Mangotsfield and our school would close everytime we had a big dump. In those days we had a good 6in everytime.
It closed becuase not enough teachers turned up. I can remember having the whole week off to play in the snow, that happened twice in 5 years, oh those were the days..........”
by The Last Bristolian, Bristol
Wednesday, February 04 2009, 12:16PM
“Nigel," I might not be able to get out of my house for 24 hours...... " Actually means "I might not be able to get out of my house in a car, for 24 hours"
Thats why so many people are off work at these times these days.”