Only one school remains closed in Royston because of the big freeze

ONLY one school remains closed in Royston because of the big freeze. Herts County Council (HCC) says Barkway School is closed because of snow and ice. HCC s director of children, schools and families John Harris has also written to all headteachers urging

ONLY one school remains closed in Royston because of the big freeze.

Herts County Council (HCC) says Barkway School is closed because of snow and ice.

HCC's director of children, schools and families John Harris has also written to all headteachers urging them to try and keep schools open during the spell of arctic weather.

"As this is now a prolonged period of disruption we would urge you to consider staying open if at all possible to ensure children are not out of school for any longer than necessary," said Mr Harris in his letter.

"We appreciate the difficult decision schools are faced with in terms of staff shortages and site safety and we do not expect you to put children or staff at undue risk. However, it is vital that we maintain the confidence and support of parents. The consequences of school closures have a serious knock-on effect for their working and care arrangements, as well as wider business continuity problems in Hertfordshire.