There is a yellow weather warning in place until 9am Saturday. The advice is don’t travel unless it is essential. Below is the latest information on trains, buses, health services, schools and shopping. I’ll update this blog as information comes in.
(Updated at 14:05pm Friday.)
Trains. There are no trains through Ludlow and no replacement buses. No information yet on when the train service will be restored. The following message was issued by Arriva Trains Wales at 14:00 Friday. We are unlikely to see trains Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be severely disrupted.
Advice to customers from now and including morning of Monday 5th March is:
Only consider travel if essential.
Be aware that ‘Do not travel’ notices may be issued at very short notice.
The situation is extremely changeable and train services continue to be severely impacted with extensive cancellations and last minute significant changes.
Start of service on Monday 5th March is also highly likely to be severely impacted.
Customers are advised to visit www.arrivatrains.wales/check for updated information, but should only attempt to travel on routes which are operating if absolutely necessary.
There is no news from Arriva on whether it has resolved the wheel damage problem with its Class 175 fleet. So even if we have better weather, we may not have trains.
Roads. Main roads in Ludlow are improving but not much. They are gritted but very slushy. Side roads untreated. Reports are that the A49 remains difficult northbound.
Pavements. Residents and shopkeepers have been out clearing pavements. Thanks! Shropshire Council has gritted some pavements in the town centre area but the grit needs treading in to be effective. Already patches of ice forming on Church Walk. Take care.
Minsterley buses. The 701 town service is not running – the driver couldn’t get to Ludlow and the bus is snowed into the depot. The 722 is running a limited service along Station Drive, Gravel Hill, Henley Road, the A49 and back down Sheet Road. No estate roads are being served. Minsterley motors tried to run the 435 Ludlow to Shrewsbury service earlier but conditions are appalling. No more 435 buses today.
GP surgeries and Ludlow Hospital. Service is nearly normal at Portcullis Surgery today, but only one nurse and no phlebotomist. All doctors and nurses managed to arrive without problems. The surgery advises all patients to remain at home if its not safe to come to an appointment and to call the surgery for advice if needed. Take care, the pavements are dangerous. Station Drive is open for emergencies only. Advice is to call before you set out for any medical appointment. Ludlow Hospital is only seeing essential or critical and essential patients until Monday.
Ludlow schools are closed.
Shopping. Ludlow Market is closed today, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Most town centre and local shops are open. Costa Coffee on King Street is closed.
Ludlow Library closed at midday. Shropshire Council’s Customer Service point in the Library is closed today. The Library will be closed tomorrow, Saturday.
Ludlow Leisure Centre is only running limited activities.
Thanks for all this excellent information, Andy. For anyone expecting mail, there will be no collections or deliveries in SY8 (Ludlow) today.