WIDESPREAD snow and ice has caused mayhem over the last week with school closures, power cuts and treacherous travel conditions a feature for many across the county. More than six inches of snow fell in East Cambridgeshire late last week and, together wit

WIDESPREAD snow and ice has caused mayhem over the last week with school closures, power cuts and treacherous travel conditions a feature for many across the county.

More than six inches of snow fell in East Cambridgeshire late last week and, together with freezing temperatures and patchy ice, conditions soon became treacherous for thousands looking to get out-and-about in the busy run-up to Christmas.

More than 20 schools in East Cambridgeshire were forced to close on Friday (Dec 18) with only a handful choosing to remain open and brave the freezing temperatures which fell as low as -3.

The wintery conditions also caused thousands to loose power on Thursday evening as the heaviest snow began to fall. Homes in Ely, Queen Adelaide, Prickwillow and Littleport just some of those affected.

For many in the more isolated areas of the county however, power was only reconnected on Monday morning (Dec 21) following three days without electricity.

Energy provider EDF, encountered problems reaching isolated substations and fallen power lines in the conditions, but the majority of homes regained power by the middle of Friday (Dec 18).

Despite numerous gritting runs from both the Highways Agency and Cambridgeshire County Council, accident numbers remained high with 180 road traffic incidents between Thursday and Sunday, 27 of those resulting in injuries.

Though MET office warnings about the inclement weather remained in place on Monday (Dec 21), the forecast for Christmas was more sedate with predictions of rain, sleet and relatively mild temperatures for the coming days.

The odds on a white Christmas meanwhile, were slashed by bookies in the wake of the deluge with many offering prices as slim as 5-1.

INFO: To see our snow picture gallery and video, go to: www.elystandard24.co.uk. If you wish to purchase any of the photographs click on the www.photos24 logo.

Photos: HELEN DRAKE