by Sam Lennon

Almost all parts of business and work are being disrupted or brought to a standstill because of the snow.

Bin collections are being missed, workplaces are only thinly staffed and council meetings and even inquests have been cancelled.

Dustmen's rounds have been thrown into disarray with their lorries unable to get through snow-clogged streets.

Ashford Borough Council spokesman Dean Spurrell said: "Due to the adverse weather some refuse and recycling collections were missed.

"The heavy snow prohibited some vehicles from accessing properties in time and we apologies for the inconvenience.

"Any bins and blue recycling boxes not collected this week will be picked up in next week's scheduled collection."

Inquests at Ashford Magistrates Court on Thursday morning were postponed as officials were unable to drive to the court because of treacherous roads.

Ashford Borough Council's planning meeting and executive meeting were also cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday nights respectively.

Offices and other businesses throughout the borough were also thinly staffed but some employees who could not turn up were able to work at home using their own computers.

Council spokesman Dean Spurrell said: "Some of our own staff have had problems getting in during the day but have been able to log on home and work remotely."