Ashford and Shepway gradually returned to normal today with schools and shops reopening following Monday's big freeze.

Ashford town centre roads were clear although pavements still remained tricky to negotiate with residues of snow and ice.

Ashford Designer Outlet, which closed at 2pm on Monday because of the conditions, was scheduled to re-open at 10am on Tuesday.

Trains gradually returned with a limited service, although Southeastern warned of delays.

Half hourly services were resumed between Ramsgate and Charing Cross via Ashford and between Ashford and Charing Cross.

Other returned services included half hourly runs between Ramsgate and Ashford via Canterbury West and Ashford to victoria via Maidstone East.

Schools in Ashford borough remaining closed on Tuesday included Goldwyn Special in Great Chart and East Stour Primary School, although that was due to reopen at 10.30am.

Linden Grove Primary in Stanhope remained closed on Tuesday due to no heating but is expected to re-open on Wednesday.

The North School in Essella Road is open although pupils will have the option of leaving at 2.30pm to get home safely.

John Wesley School in Singleton was open but all after-schools clubs have been cancelled.

In Romney Marsh Brenzett Primary School is closed due to treacherous conditions in the school car part and a lack of safe drop-off area for parents and children but should re-open on Wednesday.

Brookland Primary School is open today but has no breakfast club.

Lydd Primary School is open but parents who can only collect their children by car can do so after lunch at 1.15pm. The nursery will be closed for the afternoon.

Brook Education Centre in Folkestone is closed as is the town’s Park Farm Primary due to a boiler failure.

St Eanswythe’s Primary School in Folkestone closes at 3pm on Tuesday and there will be no clubs running.

Kent County Council also appealed to people to look out for elderly people feeling isolated due to fewer visitors during the harsh travelling conditions.

Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, said: “We need to look out for elderly and vulnerable family and neighbours.

“It is important to make sure they have enough food and are able to keep warm - and that they are reassured that there is help at hand if they need it.”