THE heavy snow continuing to fall is causing severe disruptions to Barking and Dagenham Council services. Refuse collections have been suspended with delays expected for the remainder of the week, though major roads were said to be passable after gritti

THE heavy snow continuing to fall is causing severe disruptions to Barking and Dagenham Council services.

Refuse collections have been suspended with delays expected for the remainder of the week, though major roads were said to be "passable" after gritting lorries poured 190 tonnes of salt overnight.

Council chiefs said adult social services would only be taking emergency calls today and offer restricted benefit and advice services.

But thousands of pupils were set to take advantage of the 8in snowfalls and descend on Barking and Dagenham's 33 parks.

Valerie Dennis, headteacher at Eastbrook School, Dagenham Road, Dagenham, said: "Hopefully the children are safe and enjoying the snow, because we don't get it often.

"A few turned up at school, they were enjoying snowballs and hopefully they're going to the park."

Up to 2,500 students at Barking College, Dagenham Road, Rush Green, also have the day off.

Vice principal Chris Witt, 59, said: "We took the decision at 6am. There is no point in adding to the confusion on the roads.

"We're hoping to reopen tomorrow. We will make a decision by 9pm this evening."

Families are urged to check individual school websites tonight. Trinity special school, Heathway, Dagenham, will not reopen before Wednesday.

A council spokesman said: "There is a limited service today for the Barking and Dagenham contact centre including housing benefits and council tax, and the Barking one stop shop.

"Please note that these services are expected to be very busy today. We apologise for longer wait times.