THE emergency services tackled 50 road traffic accidents across Cumbria yesterday morning as the week's icy conditions reached a treacherous peak, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

Frozen rain made the highways on Thursday particularly hazardous, and police said there were many incidents like jack-knifed lorries with which they also had to contend.

Sledgers took to the hills to make the most of the week's weather as South Lakeland and Furness turned frosty white in sub-zero temperatures.

Night-time temperatures dropped as low as 8 Celsius, and the daytime figure barely got above freezing.

The cold snap appeared to catch some people unawares, and the Met Office warned we were becoming unaccustomed to chilly conditions.

Met Office spokesman Colin Donnelly said: "Because of the recent mild weather I think the cold weather and snow has perhaps taken people a little bit by surprise."

Road closures caused by icy conditions included Corney Fell; the Hardknott and Wrynose passes and Newlands Pass. The Struggle, Ambleside, was also closed, although Kirkstone Pass was passable with care. Police said ice played a part in accidents throughout the week, including two in the Ingleton and Settle areas. Police also said ice was a factor in a crash at Selside on Tuesday involving four vehicles, when no one was seriously hurt despite two cars going through a dry stone wall into a frozen pond.

Hospitals in Morecambe Bay saw increases in attendance, and Kendal's Westmorland General was particularly busy.

Wrist fractures, and head and rib injuries were the most common complaints, and yesterday afternoon around 35 people were waiting to be seen.

Police and British Waterways warned people of the dangers of frozen ponds and canals.

Cumbria County Council said its winter maintenance team for South Lakeland met all its targets for gritting roads, using 700 tonnes of salt by Wednesday.

Kirkby Lonsdale was particularly badly hit as the town's gas supply went off twice, leaving some shivering without central heating.

Meanwhile, Carlisle Ski Club reported that hundreds of skiers from all over the north of England had flocked to the Yad Moss ski slope near Alston where the snow was reportedly better than in Scotland.

In Kendal, O'Loughlin's toy shop sold a number of sledges but staff were awaiting the first substantial snow fall before a rush was expected.

The forecast is for a gradual change to warmer weather with Sunday promising to be a pleasant day.

January 10, 2003 09:00