Cotswolds snow: Motorists asked to avoid 'unnecessary' travel

People in Gloucestershire are being advised to avoid all unnecessary travel following heavy snow in the county.

Gloucestershire Police said it has had a number of reports of snow causing disruption, particularly in the Forest of Dean and the A417 around Birdlip.

The force tweeted: "Heavy snow is starting to fall in the rural parts of the county. This will cause delays on the roads."

It added: "Only go out if it is essential to do so."

A yellow warning for snow and ice - meaning disruption is likely - has been issued by the Met Office for the area until 18:00 GMT on Monday 28 December.

It said this will bring snow to hills, with sleet and ice also expected to reach low levels.

The Environment Agency has also issued 16 flood warnings and 17 flood alerts for Gloucestershire.

Residents in Cirencester that were hit by flooding on Christmas Day are now facing freezing conditions and snowfall.

Landlord Michael Chicken evacuated his tenants from two properties on Dugdale Road.

"The snow looks pretty. I think the main problem is the freezing temperatures," he said.

"The snow is the same as rain and we don't want more of the same.

"At the moment it is settled, but when it melts there will be additional water in the system.

"It's not deep snow, and the system can cope with a certain amount of rain even in flood, so I am still hopeful the levels will be reducing just a little bit over the next few days, I just hope it doesn't snow too much."

He said the icy conditions were causing concern adding "it could be quiet treacherous with all this water around".

"In the short term it will probably take a month, maybe two, for these homes to dry out," Mr Chicken said.

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