EFFORTS to clear snow in South Denbighshire are continuing today.

Weather forecast


Flurries of snow are expected for the next three days but no heavy accumulations.

Snow clearance, particularly on higher routes, is proving difficult as breezy conditions are causing drifts to re-form across roads as soon as they've been cleared.

Highways

Generally progress has been made with snow clearance over the last 24 hours. The A5 is now open and the Horseshoe Pass is passable with care but Denbighshire County Council have had to keep crews there to keep it open due to the drifting issue.

A5104 Bryneglwys to Llandegla is passable with care as a single lane through with passing places.

Eryrys and Maeshafn areas have been cleared further and gritting was possible on more roads last night.

The Cyfylliog to Prion Road is now open and work is progressing on more minor roads.

Roads around Rhydtalog and Graianrhyd are still closed.

Many smaller routes, particularly in the south of the county, remain impassable but council teams have a clear map of these and snow clearing is still being prioritised. Priority has been given to the county's principal gritting routes - this work is almost complete now and the council can begin to start concentrating on the minor roads.

All available machinery has been made available again today.

Crews have also been clearing Llangollen and Corwen town centres to ensure they are clear for the Easter weekend. A 16-strong crew is clearing Llangollen town centre and Market Street car park. A crew of four are working in Corwen today.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We are now getting offers of help to clear snow and we are very grateful for these. If anyone can help with snow clearance, please get in touch with Customer Services (numbers below)."

Public transport

A better picture this morning though there is still some caution, owing to falling snow on hills and some poor conditions.

The X50 Ruthin - Wrexham section is still deemed to be too dangerous to operate. An early assessment this morning indicated that the area around Bwlchgwyn is still too difficult for buses and long vehicles to get through, owing to snow and abandoned/parked vehicles; there is also concern about blowing and drifting snow on Llandegla Moor.

The X50/X52 will operate as normal between Ruthin, Denbigh and Rhyl.

Passengers from Ruthin for Wrexham who need to travel are advised to use the X5/5 (Ruthin-Corwen/Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham). Most journeys work through without the need to change buses. These services are now operating normally following the opening of the A5 between Corwen and Llangollen.

1/1A/X1/2 Ruthin to Mold. One bus was stuck in Llanarmon this morning  and there are still issues between Eryrys and Graianrhyd. As a result, this group of services will keep to the main road A494 until properly assessed, later this morning.

Assessments are also currently underway on the Fflecsi services (Ruthin to Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Betws GG, Melin y Wig); and 62 (Llansannan-Bylchau-Nantglyn-Denbigh). Reports are that the 62 will be difficult at and around Bylchau.

No news yet on the X94 (Barmouth-Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham).

Welfare issues

The council are receiving an increasing number of calls regarding welfare issues as the cold snap continues and are reminding people that anyone experiencing difficulties should contact Denbighshire's Customer Services on 01824 706100 (welsh) or 01824 706101 (English) to ask for assistance. Calls will be prioritised to target those who need immediate and urgent help.

Welfare teams within Social Services have been in touch with people who have been affected by the weather and are aware of their needs. They are continuing to monitor the situation through today.

Animal welfare officers will also be tracking and prioritising any issues. Again, please contact the above numbers to raise any issues.