Children across north Shropshire got extra time off school this week after heavy snow forced schools to remain closed – and the problems were made even worse due to a communications mix-up by local radio stations.
Broadcasts by Beacon Radio and The Severn FM wrongly declared that several schools were closed when they were in fact open, resulting in confusion for parents.
Bosses from BBC Radio Shropshire, which co-ordinates school closure information on the airwaves, admitted responsibility for the blunder and issued an immediate apology.
They said an investigation would be carried out to make sure the mistake would not be repeated.
They said spreadsheets sent to commercial radio stations had not made it clear which schools were open and which were closed.
Shropshire Council spokesman Gareth Proffitt said: “Once a school has decided to close due to the bad weather they must notify Radio Shropshire, who collate a list of closed schools and email it to other radio stations.
“Unfortunately this list was initially misinterpreted by some of the other stations and incorrect information was broadcast. Steps have already been taken to help ensure this doesn’t happen again in future.”
Criftins Primary School was the first to close on Tuesday as snow started to fall on the county. And yesterday (Wednesday) it was joined by Cockshutt, Ellesmere, Ifton Heath, Myddle, Welshampton and Weston Lullingfields primary schools, and Whitchurch infants and junior schools.
Secondary schools across the area were also closed this week in the arctic weather conditions, with staff at Corbet School and Walford and North Shropshire College in Baschurch, Lakelands in Ellesmere, Rhyn Park School in St Martins, Sir John Talbot’s in Whitchurch and Thomas Adams in Wem making the decision not to open.
Further snow is expected across the region on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures not expected to rise above 1C for the rest of the week.
Shropshire Council is posting the most recent school closure on its website at www.shropshire.gov.uk. Advice and information is also available through the helpline on 01743 252980, which is open between 7am and 9am on school days.
West Mercia Police and Ambulance Service bosses are reminding drivers to take extra care on the roads as the weather is likely to make driving conditions more hazardous across the region.
By Pam Griffin