South Essex: Roads close as snow hits

Roads were closed as blizzard conditions caused dozens of crashes.

Snow way out - the wintery scene at Cranes Farm Road in Basildon today Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

The A13 was shut by police at Bread and Cheese Hill, in Benfleet. Motorists queued for hours to get onto the A127 and many abandoned their vehicles by the roadside.

Police were also advising people not to travel unless necessary.

Three major comprehensive schools - King Edmund School in Rochford, FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh, and Greensward College in Hockley - closed because it was impossible for children and teachers to get in. Thundersley Junior and Infant Schools were also forced to close.

Rail and bus services remained in operation but with severe delays. Police were considering whether to close the A127 at the Rayleigh Weir and closing the A130.

Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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