Normality returns following snow

Charlestown in Cornwall was shrouded in snow. Pic: John Greatbatch

Most of the south-west of England is now back to normal after three days of snow falls caused chaos.

However, eight schools in north Devon remain shut following snow overnight.

Outpatient appointments at Torrington, Holsworthy, South Molton, Bideford and Ilfracombe community hospitals have also been cancelled again.

Snow was also causing some problems on the Cornwall and Devon border on the A39 at Welcombe, north of Kilkhampton, earlier.

The wintry conditions during the first part of the week were the worst the region had seen for many years.

Knock-on effect

Tens of thousands of children were forced to stay home as hundreds of schools across the two counties shut because of the bad weather.

The knock on effect resulted in many parents having to take time off work to look after them.

Other workers were forced to stay at home because the treacherous road conditions made driving dangerous and had led to the cancellation of some public transport.

Business leaders fear that the loss of trade caused by staff failing to come into work could affect small firms who are already feeling the pinch in the credit crunch.

Tim Jones, chairman of the Business Council, said: "The weather has probably adversely affected the future of quite a significant number of small businesses, who were struggling anyway."

"We are just keeping our fingers crossed that we do not have any business closures as a result."