SCHOOLS across the borough are closed for the second day running after the heaviest snowfall for 18 years. While headteachers will attempt to open schools today most will remain closed as the weather continues to hamper safe travel for pupils and teacher

SCHOOLS across the borough are closed for the second day running after the heaviest snowfall for 18 years.

While headteachers will attempt to open schools today most will remain closed as the weather continues to hamper safe travel for pupils and teachers.

At the moment, Paddington Academy, St Augustine's CE High School and St George's RC School are closed to secondary school pupils.

In addition, primary schools including Hallfield Infant and Junior School, St Peter's CE Primary School, St Saviour's CE Primary, St Mary Magdalene CE Primary and ST Vincent's RC Primary.

Cllr Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, said today:

"Westminster Council has continued to deploy its full Winter Service plan overnight, with around 75 staff and seven gritting vehicles working through the night.

"The main problem we have faced is the sheet ice resulting from temperatures falling to minus three and causing melting snow to freeze.

"We are treating pavements but many will be hazardous. Our message to the public is to wear sensible footwear, walk very carefully, and look out for the frail and elderly. We'll be focusing on gritting bus stops, crossings and major pavements before moving on to side roads.

"We will not be enforcing parking regulations this morning as our parking attendants will be helping people around the city. But we will review this position at lunchtime, and our advice to motorists is to buy a parking ticket.

"As we complete the gritting of the streets we will be transferring staff back to rubbish collection duties. But we ask householders not to put rubbish out on the streets today as it is unlikely that full collections will begin until tomorrow. We will ensure that every home in the city gets a collection this week.