SNOWFALL across the county has caused schools to close, flights from Stansted Airport to be cancelled, chaos on the roads and disruption to the trains.The Highways Agency has told drivers in Essex to delay any non-essential travel and BAA has warned pa

SNOWFALL across the county has caused schools to close, flights from Stansted Airport to be cancelled, chaos on the roads and disruption to the trains.

The Highways Agency has told drivers in Essex to delay any "non-essential travel" and BAA has warned passengers travelling from Stansted Airport to expect "significant delays and cancellations".

About 400 of Essex's 550 primary and secondary schools have had to close for the safety of pupils.

A spokesman for Essex County Council (ECC) said: "More than 1890 miles of Essex's networks are being treated by a team of 65 gritter lorries and snow ploughs with around 100 personnel working around the clock to keep the roads clear.

"Extra staff and resources are being deployed locally according to severe conditions. The gritter service have treated the primary network six times in 24 hours and continue to grit as fast as can be done to keep precautionary routes clear. Around 1500 tonnes of salt has been used on the roads so far with the roads being gritted before the snow fell to ensure it was at its maximum effectiveness."

Other services which ECC operates are continuing to operate where possible. Most libraries are currently open but residents are advised to contact the Contact Centre's library helpline 0845 6037628 before visiting. Some of Essex's recycling centres are currently open but the public are being advised not to travel out to them in case they are closed.

Residents who use day care social services are advised to contact their care provider if they need a service today or to call the ECC contact centre hotline on 0845 6037630.

Roads are treated in their order of importance and usage. Farmers and other highway contractors will also be called upon to help out with snow clearance in prolonged snow conditions.