Dozens of schools in the area remained closed today as sub-zero overnight temperatures followed yesterday's heavy snowfall.

Archbishop Courtenay in Maidstone town centre was among many who fell foul of the arctic conditions, citing 'no lighting, heating or school meals'.

Others advised parents they were closing due to treacherous access to the schools.

A "snow emergency" has been declared in Maidstone this week as the county was hit with the heaviest snow falls for 18 years.

While no more snow is due today, forecasters warn there is more to come at the end of the week.

Train services are still disrupted, with no trains running on the Medway Valley line between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West. Trains are now running between Maidstone East and London.

Refuse and recycling collections have also been disrupted, with vans unable to access remote areas because of the snow.

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Maidstone council spokeswoman Karen Jeal said: "It has been difficult to get to rural roads and cul de sacs, but we are advising residents to leave their bins out as normal and we will be playing catch-up throughout the week. Depending on the weather for the rest of the week we may have to make alternative arrangements.”

Tonbridge and Malling council and Tunbridge Wells council suspended their rubbish and recycling collections on Monday (Feb 2), due to dangerous road conditions.

Kent County Council said salting crews were out on the main roads gritting all the primary A and B roads, plus additional routes where possible.

“We have declared a snow emergency as of 7am on Monday,” he said, “This means that maintenance work has been suspended in favour of working on snow activities."

Shopping centres, pedestrian bridges and key footpaths have also been gritted.

The Met office said between 5 and 10cms of snow fell overnight on Sunday, and warned more is on the way.

Southeastern trains suspended services throughout the county with passengers being urged to call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 before setting out, while driving conditions on roads and motorways were hazardous with reports of lanes on the M20 near Brands Hatch blocked by snow.

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Working parents will be anxiously wating to see if their children face another day at home. Click here to see if your school is shut because of the weather.

For the latest traffic and travel, tune in to your local kmfm station.

Useful links

~ Highways Agency >>>

~ Transport for London website >>>

~ Gatwick airport information >>>

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