Powis Castle closes its grounds as ice becomes a blight on safety

There was even some light snow in parts of the region yesterday as the bitter cold continued.

Visitors were unable to walk around the grounds of Powis Castle in Welshpool yesterday.

Gardeners at the National Trust property woke up to icy and slippery conditions and decided to close the grounds for safety reasons.

Fwantje Staar, assistant visitors service manager, said: "It was quite icy.

"The gardens are terrace gardens and there was a layer of ice over them so the gardeners made the decision to close them.

"We have to be careful as there are a lot of elderly people who visit and children with scooters."

Ms Starr added: "The gardens are usually open every day, apart from Christmas day."

She said people were still able to visit the castle, and go on tours and take in the views.

Miss Starr added that the castle's gardening team would take a look at the grounds again this morning before making the decision on whether to reopen them.

She said that people thinking of visiting the castle and gardens were advised to check the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle/ or to telephone them on (01938) 551944 before travelling.

Shropshire Council posted lookouts around the county last night and sent gritters out to the areas which needed them.

Forecasters are warning temperatures are not expected to climb above 5C (41F) for the rest of the week. They are warning that the mercury is expected to fall below 0C (32F) on Wednesday.