Macclesfield was hit by a snowstorm for the second time in as many months.

The borough’s higher areas, including Macclesfield Forest, Sutton, Langley and Bollington, all became perfect play areas for boarders and sledges, as well as countless photographers making the most of the beautiful landscape.

At least seven schools in the Macclesfield area were closed for the day on Friday and the fire service spent an hour digging out snow at a house on Rainow Road, which had trapped a female resident without heat.

Three major A roads heading in and out of Macclesfield were also closed, including the A537 Cat and Fiddle and the A54 Bosley Road.

There was a traffic accident on the A523, close to Bosley Crossroads, at about 8am on Friday, in which a female casualty had to be taken to hospital and 11 cars had to be pulled out of the snow after becoming stuck on Macclesfield Road near Kettleshulme.

Dairy farmers in higher villages were also forced to dispose of good milk on Saturday because the tankers from Wisemans dairy firm were unable to reach them.

However the tanker was able to make all but one collection on Sunday after almost 12 hours of snow clearing by Cheshire East Highways, which scrambled 10 vehicles to help clear a path after being contacted by Coun Hilda Gaddum.

Coun Gaddum, who alerted the council’s highways department after learning farmers were losing business, said seven JCBs and three tractor ploughs were dispatched to help clear snow, aided by farmers and residents.

She said: “This is a huge problem as entire communities have been left cut-off. I’m just relieved all the milk was collected as the farmers now get paid for it.

“It’s a very challenging livelihood for the farmers and it’s vital their products are collected and paid for.

“A big thank you must go to the highways department who really went the extra mile, I can’t thank them enough.”

Insp Steve Griffiths, NPU inspector for Macclesfield, said: “Officers from Macclesfield worked closely with highways and volunteers to ensure the public were safe and if they did come into trouble due to the adverse weather, that they were rescued as soon as possible. A real team effort.”

Cheshire East council responded to the amber weather warning and gritted the roads around the clock ensuring that the majority could remain open.

Rozz Boshel, from Poynton, tweeted: “Just drove Poynton to Winsford. The roads are a treat, an absolute credit to
@CECHighways – well done guys!”