Winter weather - latest round-up

It may be the longest cold spell for decades, but people in the West Midlands have been determined not to let the sub-zero temperatures prevent them getting on with everyday life.

For thousands, that means adapting their routine to get around the treacherous conditions. And for others, it means making the most of the West Midlands' winter wonderland.

It was the perfect day for a white wedding when the snowy setting made a dream come true for bride Alisha Aderotoye and her new husband Christopher Patrick.

They tied the knot at Dudley Register Office, Priory Hall, on Wednesday, before posing for some beautiful snaps in heavy snow.

The couple, of Foxmeadow Close, Sedgley, have been together for six years and chose a date based on Alisha's dream wedding.

"I wanted it to snow because I have seen the registry office in the snow and it looks beautiful," said Alisha, aged 24.

"Everyone else was also wishing it to snow because they knew its what I was hoping for.

"It was a bit too much though, my toes were frozen because the snow kept going into my shoes.

"I didn't expect the weather to be so bad, it was quite windy under my dress but I was prepared to walk in snow to get those pictures – they're absolutely brilliant.

"It was a great day but it was pretty cold," admitted Christopher, who works for City Link couriers in Sedgley."

And they weren't the only ones making the most of the snow.

Father-of-two Jason Smith has been working on an eight-foot high snowman and an igloo at the garden of his home in Andrew Road, Tipton.

Together they took him around ten hours to build, and while his children, eight-year-old Daniel and Ben, aged two, gave up after four hours because they got too tired, determined 38-year-old Jason carried on into the evening to finish the job.

There was less cheer for residents in parts of Wolverhampton last night, when more than 5,000 homes and businesses were hit with a power cut as temperatures plunged.

The 5,124 customers in Tettenhall and Castlecroft lost electricity at 6.40 pm.

Some residents were left for almost two-and-a-half hours before it could be restored. Traffic lights and street lights were blacked out in Compton Road.

Central Network spokesman Scott Somerville blamed a fault in an underground cable for the failure but insisted that it was not due to the weather.

And in Walsall, more than 700 electricity customers were left without power in Walsall town centre in freezing temperatures.

The power-cut, at about 11.25am yesterday, cut out power to several town centre shops and residents.

Tesco supermarket in Old Square shopping centre said the power-cut meant the stores checkouts had to close for five minutes while alternative power was organised.

The tills were back online in minutes, however, and the store was not forced to close. At Birmingham City's Andrew's stadium, ground staff have been clearing away snow around the pitch to get ready for tomorrow's match against Manchester United.

The club's undersoil heating systems has ensured the game can go ahead.

In the Wyre Forest, a swan was rescued after becoming trapped in ice.

The bird was rescued by Bishops Wood Swan Rescue when it got trapped in Stourport on Wednesday.

The RSPCA is now calling on people to keep animals safe in the snow and ice. The plea follows a surge in calls about a number of dogs, horses and wildlife caught in difficult weather conditions.

Bin collections have also been disrupted by the freezing conditions, but council chiefs in the region said they were doing their best to get to homes.

Dudley Council spokesman Chris Howes said: "Our refuse collectors have been out every day despite the severe weather collecting rubbish from main roads and side roads where possible. We are out on Saturday as part of our Christmas and New Year programme, and will do everything possible to collect any outstanding rubbish at the same time."

While in Cannock, the council said it was considering carrying out bin collections over the weekend to catch up on the backlog.

The council's waste and recycling collections resumed yesterday following a one-day suspension due to the winter weather conditions.

Residents have been advised to leave their containers out until they are emptied as the council may include collections over the weekend and into next week. Collections had been suspended on Tuesday because of the freezing temperatures and snow.

Council spokesman Jamie Summerfield said: "The weather conditions can cause serious health and safety issues, with dangers to pedestrians, refuse crews, drivers and other road users."

Walsall Council chiefs were holding talks this morning to discuss bin collections.

Refuse crews were out on Walsall's main roads and primary routes yesterday to pick up rubbish.

Around 30 per cent of the borough's households scheduled for a collection received one and residents are asked to be patient as crews struggle with treacherous conditions on side roads.

Councillor Mike Flower, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We're asking residents to please bear with us as our crews attempt to negotiate their rounds during this severe weather.

"We will do as many collections as it is safe to do today and apologise in advance to anyone who unfortunately misses out. "We appreciate this inconveniences residents but we can't take risks in such difficult conditions."

Grey bins not collected yesterday will be taken next Thursday and side waste bags will also be taken.

Roads in Goscote, Walsall, have also been closed off due to snow.

Goscote Lane, between Livingstone Road and Allens Road, has been shut along with Slacky Lane and Goscote Road, between Goscote Lane and Allens Lane. Dozens of schools remained closed due to treacherous conditions. Joseph Leckie Community Technology College, based in Walstead Road, is closed to students but staff are being asked to travel to work where possible.

Willenhall Sports College in Furzebank Way is closed to Year 7, 8 and 9 but all staff and other students are being asked to attend.

St Thomas More Catholic Business and Enterprise College in Darlaston Lane, Willenhall, is also closed to Years 7, 8.9 and 10 but is open to Year 11,12 and 13.