Snow hits power supplies, schools

Snow-covered field at Norton, near Presteigne

Dozens of homes have lost electricity and three schools have closed in south-east Powys after high winds and snow hit power supplies.

Villages near Presteigne and Knighton lost power from the early hours, forcing the closure of Whitton, Gladestry and Radnor Valley schools.

Rail services were delayed after a slow-moving train on the Heart of Wales Line struck a tree before 0700 GMT.

It happened as the service approached Llangunllo station. No-one was injured.

Arriva Trains said no passengers were on board at the time and buses were replacing trains.

Electricity company Central Networks said snow and high winds were to blame for the loss of power.

Maddy the dog gets a taste of the snow. Photo: Dave Price, Presteigne

The Powys communities are supplied by a energy sub-station in Kington, Herefordshire, which has been affected.

The firm apologised to customers as its engineers were working on the problem.

A spokesman said: "There are a number of little faults after high winds and snowfall affected power lines.

"About 500 homes have been without power in the Kington area since 1.30am and engineers are working to restore the power as soon as possible."

In Shropshire, Central Networks said up to 4,000 properties had been left without power after several inches of snow fell across the county.

Western Power Distribution, which supplies the majority of homes with electricity in south Powys, said a sub-station in Herefordshire supplied the Welsh communities.

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