Rise in A&E admissions

The number of people with fractures increased from three to ten due to the slip-sliding condition of the county’s paths and roads.

The cold and icy conditions also saw more than 1,000 life-threatening 999 calls made to East Midlands Ambulance Service from people reporting illness or injury.

Director of Operations for EMAS Peter Ripley said it had been a challenging weekend.

“We have been under additional pressure this weekend and it is especially challenging for us to reach people quickly when many roads are covered with snow or ice,” he said.

“Calls increased due to more road traffic collisions, slips or falls, and for people who experienced breathing problems due an existing medical condition and the low temperatures.”

Notts County Council say its gritting teams worked night and day to make sure major routes stayed open.

A council spokesman said: “For the first time this season the gritting lorries were equipped with snow ploughs and extra staff were brought in to cope.”

“Temperatures are predicted to fall below freezing so motorists are advised to drive with caution.”