Wintry weather 'costs local economy up to £20m'

Heavy snow fall and icy conditions have cost Herefordshire and Worcestershire between £15m and £20m in lost business, their chamber of commerce has said.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said icy driving conditions had put shoppers off coming into town in the past week.

It said further down the chain, stores had reported problems with re-stocking.

While manufacturers were finding it hard to take delivery of the raw materials to work with, it added.

Herefordshire Council said gritters and ploughs were trying to keep the main roads open after heavy snowfall on Wednesday.

Motorists were advised to keep away from the area north of Leominster, where possible.

Train and bus services were also affected and people were advised to check with their operator for service alterations before travelling.