SNOW has caused disruption to Great Dunmow residents today, but tonight s Late Night Shopping Event is still on. As around four to five inches fell all over Uttlesford, schools closed, drivers slid around and people stayed indoors. More snow is also forec

SNOW has caused disruption to Great Dunmow residents today, but tonight's Late Night Shopping Event is still on.

As around four to five inches fell all over Uttlesford, schools closed, drivers slid around and people stayed indoors. More snow is also forecast for later.

Great Dunmow's Mill Lane became a virtual ice-rink for motorists as many struggled to get up the hill without a helpful push from passersby.

School children came out to play on Talberds Ley as the Helena Romanes School closed for the day.

Hopeful shopkeepers spread salt on their store entrances but not many shoppers have ventured into town as White Street car park was empty throughout the morning.

The Late Night Shopping Event in the town centre scheduled for 6.30pm tonight is not under threat according to its organisers.

North Essex is understood to be one of the worst hit areas, and the county's police force said they have attended over 180 snow-related incidents before 5am, including 20 road collisions, 25 fallen power cables and 16 downed trees.

Chief Inspector John Dodman said: "None of the incidents was serious but there are reports of drivers sleeping in cars and vehicles being abandoned.