Freezing weather closes half of borough's schools (From Times Series)

Freezing weather closes half of Barnet's schools

9:51am Monday 21st January 2013 in News By Chris Hewett

Snow and ice prevented a large number of Barnet’s schools opening this morning.

A total of 41 of the borough’s 89 primary schools remained closed after more snow fell over the weekend and temperatures dropped as low as minus three degrees.

Snow and ice on side roads has made travelling conditions difficult and Barnet Council cancelled all of its school transport this morning.

Eight secondary schools are also shut, with three – Ashmole, Hasmonean and Queen Elizabeth Girls’ – open to students taking exams.

The adverse weather, which began with heavy snow on Friday, has also hit Barnet Council’s recycling collections.

Crews were unable to get out on Friday but are due to carry out their usual routes today, starting with the missed pick-ups from before the weekend.

Barnet FC was forced to postpone its evening League Two match against Fleetwood Town on Friday due to the heavy snow.

The Met Office has predicted a chance of more snowfall this afternoon, with temperatures dropping to minus four degrees overnight.

Barnet Council says its gritting lorries will be out on priority roads again today and will be restocking salt bins as soon as possible.

Have you taken any pictures in the snow? Send them to us by tweeting using the hashtag #BarnetSnow or email them to chewett@london.newsquest.co.uk