by Sam Lennon

South Kent largely escaped the heavy overnight snowfalls that have caused chaos in other parts of the country.

Just a smattering of snow lay on the streets of Ashford town centre this morning, with traffic running normally.

But for commuters heading for London it was a different story with train services cut because of the expected onslaught of snow and ice.

Mainline trains between Ashford and London, usually running every quarter hour, were reduced to a half-hourly shuttle service.

The full high speed service between Kent and London was expected to continue however.

A spokesman for train operators Southeastern said on Tuesday night: "We are implementing a revised timetable, which will provide a reduced service across the Mainline and Metro networks.

"This will mean a limited number of trains arriving into London before 9am.

"All high speed services will run as per the normal timetable."

All Southeastern ticket holders can use high speed services while the changed timetable is in place at no extra cost.

Passengers can check on the changed times in detail by calling National Rail Enquires on 0845 48 49 50 or by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk