FRESH snowfall led to more problems on roads around Romsey and Stockbridge this morning. For many drivers using minor roads it was a slippery journey to work after a light to moderate fall of snow overnight.

Much of the northern and western half of the Advertiser coverage area had a blanket of between two and four inches of snow including Mottisfont and Stockbridge and the New Forest.

Further south and east the snow was less in intensity. In Romsey there was around an inch of the white stuff. West Hampshire police spokesman Alan Smith said all main roads were passable but some minor roads were slippery. "There is about three inches of snow in some parts of the area, particularly towards Andover and eastern parts the New Forest around Ashurst and Netley Marsh. Generally, the main roads are passable with care. Some drivers are being caught out on minor roads, one minute the road is fine and the next drivers hit compacted snow and slushy conditions.

The Andover area is the worst affect in the Test Valley. We've also had problems with snow in the Romsey, Stockbridge and Fordingbridge areas," said Mr Smith.

A number of schools are closed today because of weather related problems. These include West Tytherley, Ampfield and Wellow.

Lockerley Primary School was open but the school's minibus service was unable to run because of slippery road conditions. Broughton Primary School opened as usual but parents were unable to drive children in because of the snow. Headteacher Janet Smith said: "Some staff made it in to school. Most of the children managed to get here by walking. Roads are very bad this morning."

Test Valley Borough Council said that waste collection vehicles had been unable to leave their depots this morning. The authority they would be reviewing the situation during the day.