Snow disruption across the Five Valleys - live updates (From Stroud News and Journal)

5:25pm

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4:44pm

Gloucestershire County Council has just issued an update on the weather conditions in the county.

Although no more significant snow is expected over the next few days, GCC say ice on the county’s roads is still making driving conditions tricky.  

All routes are now passable, but care is still needed, particularly on higher ground or steep hills due to slush and blowing snow, the authority adds.  

The Met Office has predicted that temperatures will not climb much above freezing this week and there is a chance of some snow in the Forest of Dean early tomorrow morning as a band of rain pushes in from the south west.  

Highways teams are out gritting today, with a full run on key routes planned for 3am tomorrow.

With icy pavements as well as roads, residents are being urged to take extra care when travelling.

Grit bins have been provided in rural or problem areas, like steep hills or bends, for local people to treat the roads and pavements themselves – the salt is for highways and not for private use.  

The county council has an agreement with Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to treat pavements in the city and town centres.

The county also has more than 100 salt hand-spreaders and thousands of bags of salt out in the communities to keep grit bins filled.  

John Kay, Area Highways Manager, said: “All drivers, wherever they are in the county, need to proceed with caution on all routes even those on the key routes that appear to be are clear of ice and snow.

“We will continue to treat major roads across Gloucestershire and will be keeping a close eye on the weather so that we’re ready to respond if the weather worsens again.

”Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue crews are still on standby with their 4x4 emergency response vehicles, ready to react." 

Follow @GlosHighways, @GlosCC, @GlosFire and @Glos_Police on Twitter for updates.

Tips on driving in icy conditions and keeping you and your neighbours warm and well during the wintry period can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/winter

11:35am

Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Dursley Pool and Sports Centre, The Museum in the Park and the Sub Rooms are all open as usual.

Maidenhill Sports & Dance Centre, Thomas Keble Sports Centre and Wotton Sports Centre have now reopened after being closed over the weekend.

11:34am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Culver Hill, Amberley now fully open

11:19am

WASTE and recycling collections across the Stroud district were cancelled on Friday due to snow and teams were unable to go out on Saturday due to the poor conditions.

Collections will be made today from areas and streets which are accessible.

Householders are advised to leave out their waste and recycling if they have already put it out, but if it hasn’t been collected by this evening residents are asked to take it back in and put it out for their next scheduled collection day.

For more information go to www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/waste.asp#s=sectioncontent4&p=missed

10:52am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

The A419 at Cowcombe Hill, Chalford, is fully open

10:48am

10:44am

9:26am

THOUGH most of the road network is now passable, Gloucestershire Police are urging caution particularly at routes on higher ground and in rural areas

Gloucestershire Highways advises that any routes with steeper inclines will be hazardous for some time and should only be attempted with care.

9:25am

THE Met Office predicts that a further band of snow may approach the county from the South West on Tuesday morning, but this could equally arrive in the form of sleet or rain.

3:57pm

Follow @GlosHighways @GlosCC @GlosFire and @Glos_Police on Twitter for updates.

Tips on driving in icy conditions can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/winter

Traffic updates can be found on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information

For the latest weather updates check the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk

3:49pm

3:43pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Hazardous driving conditions on the A419 Cowcombe Hill in Chalford around the Gipsy Lane junction, because of snow.

3:31pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

The A419 Ebley Bypass is now clear in both directions after an earlier jackknifed lorry at the B4008 Ebley Road junction.

Still hazardous driving conditions on the Ebley Bypass in both directions in Stonehouse around the B4008 Ebley Road junction, because of snow.

3:28pm

3:16pm

Gloucestershire Care Services have thanked their staff for continuing to cope well with the difficult weather conditions and ensuring that patients continue to receive their care at home and are safe.

Susan Field, director of adult services from Gloucestershire Care Services said: “Our teams in the community are continuing to ensure that vulnerable, elderly people who may need extra support, and those receiving end of life care or intravenous therapies are getting the help and support they need.

“We are making use of 4x4 vehicles when required to help us reach homes in the more rural areas of the county, and we anticipate ramping up this service later today and into the evening. 

“Our eight community hospitals are managing well, and those patients with clinic appointments or booked X-rays have been contacted directly if any changes have happened.

“My thanks to all our staff and many others who continue to do a magnificent job and are working extremely hard to look after their patients despite the challenging winter weather.”

3:09pm

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2:18pm

All household recycling centres are closing at 3pm today, Friday – Gloucestershire County Council will update residents about plans for tomorrow as soon as possible.

2:18pm

We've had some fantastic pictures sent in today of readers enjoying the snow.

Keep them coming by tweeting @stroudnews

2:18pm

1:53pm

TRAVEL UPDATE

Hazardous driving conditions on the A419 Cowcombe Hill, in Chalford at the Gipsy Lane junction, because of a broken down vehicle and snow.

1:41pm

WITH brisk winds continuing, Gloucestershire County Council says drifting snow is still likely, especially on higher ground, which may mean drivers experience much deeper snow than they might have anticipated.

The current travel advice for Gloucestershire is only to make journeys if they are absolutely necessary.

County council services are open for business as usual, however residents are reminded that some services in the county will be carried out by a reduced number of staff.

More than 300 schools in the county are closed because of the severe weather. For the latest information, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools

1:36pm

Gloucestershire Highways teams are out treating key routes this afternoon and anticipate further gritting runs this evening following rush hour.

1:28pm

Fraser Walker-Cobbe, seven, built this snowman in Bank Gardens with his father Hector Cobbe on Friday Picture: Jack Watts

1:15pm

TRAVEL UPDATE

Hazardous driving conditions on M5 between J14, B4509 (Thornbury) and J8 M50, because of snow.

1:10pm

Tonight’s performance at the Sub Rooms, Stroud still going ahead

TONIGHT’S performance of Spitfire Solo will go ahead as planned at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud.

Tickets are available on the door for the production, which begins at 7.30 pm, and are priced at £12 for adults and £10 for concessions.

1:05pm

Fraser Walker-Cobbe, seven, enjoying the snow in Bank Gardens this morning, Friday

Picture: Ash Loveridge

12:54pm

Tonight's performance of Cotswold Players' production Honk! is cancelled.

Those who booked online by credit card will be refunded automatically. Those who paid by cheque will be refunded over the next few days.

There are still seats available for performances next week for those who would like to re-book.

Tickets can be booked online at www.cotswoldplayers.co.uk or by phone on 0844 8700 887

12:51pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

A collision on Parliament Street, Stroud this morning has caused two drivers to abandon their vehicles. One car has visible damage to the front and the other has run off the road into the nearby car park. Pictures: Jack Watts

12:36pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Hazardous driving conditions on St George's Avenue in King's Stanley at the Brockley Road junction, due to an accident.

12:34pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

A419 Ebley Bypass in Stonehouse closed in both directions at the B4008 Ebley Road junction, because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

12:25pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE - BUS SERVICES

Service 14 - No service to King's Stanley or Leonard Stanley. The route has been diverted as follows; Stroud Merrywalks via Cainscross Road to Dudbridge, A417 to Stonehouse before ressuming normal route.

Service 20 - This service is operating a normal route to Stonehouse High Street from Stroud Merrywalks. The service is unable to operate around the Stonehouse estate (Meadow Road, Juniper Way, Woodcock Lane, Maidenhill School, King's Road, Gloucester Road, Midland Road, and Elms Road). 

Service 21 - This service will operate same route as the service 20 to Stonehouse High Street then normal route to Lower Cam where the service will terminate. No service on this route to Durley or Uley.

Service 26 - No service to France Lynch area. Service 26 will operate between Stroud and Chalford via the A419 untill further notice.

Service 37 - No service to Cashes Green, this service has currently been withdrawn.

Service 46 - This service will operate along normal route between Cheltenham and Stroud, however allow extra time for travel and expect delays due to the weather conditions. This service will operate normal route from Stroud to Dudbridge and then divert via the A46 to Nailsworth where it will terminate at Nailsworth Bus Station. No service to Forest Green area.

Service 93 - This service has been withdrawn due to the road conditions.

12:22pm

12:21pm

Stratford Park Leisure Centre will close at 5pm today and will hopefully open as normal over the weekend

12:18pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

The A419 is closed at Cowcombe Hill, Chalford

12:14pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

In Nailsworth this morning, three cars lost control on The Ladder with the collision forcing one car through a wall.

The Ladder is closed in both directions at the Hollies Hill junction, because of snow and the collapsed wall.

12:11pm

Weekend Forecast

Friday
Light snow will continue to fall until late this evening. Temperatures will remain below freezing, with a low of -2 degrees Celsius.
Tonight will see freezing mist and fog resulting in very poor visibility

Saturday
There is no snow forecast for Saturday.
Temperatures will rise to above freezing at lunchtime but will drop to -1 degrees Celsius in the evening and will remain below freezing throughout the night.

Sunday
There is no snow forecast for Sunday.
Temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the day and into Sunday night with a low of -2 degrees Celsius.

Heavy snow is forecast again for Monday morning.

12:08pm

12:07pm

TRAFFIC UPDATE

CrossCountry train service disrupted between Gloucester and Newport (South Wales) due to broken down train between Gloucester and Lydney.

12:05pm

Shereen Meanwell of Chalford took this photograph of her 10-month-old puppy, Brownie enjoying the snow this morning.

12:04pm

TRAFFICE UPDATE

A46 Dudbridge Hill Stroud, both ways at A419 junction now clear

12:00pm

The debate on Stroud MP Neil Carmichael's Antarctic Bill has resumed in the House of Commons following a statement from the Prime Minister on the current situation in Algeria.

Mr Carmichael has also just extended his condolences to the families of those hostages who have been killed.

To watch live coverage of the Antarctic Bill debate go to: www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/21006885

11:58am

Ecotricity will be closing at 3pm today, Friday, to allow staff to travel home more safely in daylight.

11:57am

11:56am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

The Ladder, in Nailsworth is closed both ways due to collapsed wall and snow at Hollies Hill. 

11:54am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

A419 Ebley Bypass now clear westbound at the B4008 Ebley Road Roundabout junction.

11:53am

11:53am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

A419 Ebley Bypass closed both ways due to jackknifed lorry and snow at B4008 Ebley Road.

11:53am

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue is offering advice and urging people to be safe during this wintry spell.

Heaters regularly cause deaths in the home. Most accidents happen because people sit too close to them or stand them too close to clothing or other items in the room.

Follow these simple rules for safe use:
• Make sure all heaters are well clear of furnishings and on a flat surface
• Try to sit at least 1metre away from the heat source
• Use a fireguard, permanently if you have young children
• Do not dry laundry by the fire, or on the fireguard
•Never block or obstruct an air vent as proper ventilation is essential
• Make sure the heater is regularly serviced

Many people use electric blankets, especially the elderly.  Here are some tips for using them safely:
• Always turn the blanket off when you get into bed
• Replace the blanket every ten years and test every two years
• Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires
• Never use a hot water bottle or drink fluids in bed when you have your electric blanket fitted to it.

There is also the risk of power cuts at this time of year.  If this happens, use torches or lanterns and not candles or paraffin lamps. Fires happen when candles are in use because they are left unattended, left alight when people go to bed, used in the wrong type of holders, placed on unstable surfaces, or are placed too close to clothing and furnishings. 

A significant number of house fires start in the kitchen. A lot of them could be prevented by:

• keeping ovens clean to prevent a build-up of fat and grease
• taking care when cooking with oil, especially in a chip pan
• avoiding leaving children unsupervised in the kitchen when the cooker is on
• keeping tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and avoid drinking alcohol while cooking

11:52am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

A46 Dudbridge Hill, Stroud, closed due to snow and jackknifed lorry at A419.

11:51am

TRAFFIC UPDATE

Two lanes closed and hazardous driving conditions due to snow and jackknifed lorry on M5 Northbound between J15 M4 (Almondsbury Interchange) and J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield). 

11:45am

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11:27am

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11:24am

Hazardous driving conditions on St George's Avenue in King's Stanley at the Brockley Road junction because of an accident.

11:16am

Snow update – supermarkets open as normal

SAINSBURY’S, Tesco and Waitrose are all open for business as usual in Stroud today despite the snow, writes Jack Watts.

All three stores are fully stocked and managers have no plans to close early as yet, although Waitrose says stocks could possibly run low.

Sainsbury’s was low on stock yesterday but deliveries arrived as planned this morning. The store is now fully stocked and today is expected to be a quiet day for business.
It will close as normal at 10pm.
The car park is accessible although drivers should take extra care.

Tesco in Stratford Road, Stroud is open as usual and is fully stocked after an ‘exceptionally busy’ day yesterday. It will be open for 24 hours as normal.

Waitrose in Stroud is open as usual and there are no plans to close early. Deliveries have arrived as expected. The store is quiet today but was busy yesterday. The car park is open.

11:16am

11:12am

Gloucestershire County Council has urged residents to check on older and vulnerable neighbours.

11:09am

11:08am

11:06am

11:05am

The House of Commons debate on Stroud MP Neil Carmichael's Antarctic Bill has finished.

Prime Minister David Cameron is now giving a statement about the terrorist attack on a BP-owned gas facility in Algeria.

11:01am

11:01am

11:00am

The WRVS kitchen in Stonehouse is open and cooking, and a near normal service is currently operating across the county.

Those people who cannot be reached are being contacted to ensure they are safe and have enough food.

11:00am

Mr Carmichael: "It is fairly ironic that my own constituency of Stroud is covered in snow and here we are discussing the Antarctic."

10:59am

Mr Carmichael: "I am immensley grateful to my honourable friends for putting some good useful amendments down so that this legislation can be properly scrutinised and tested."

10:57am

Mr Carmichael has just told the House he visited the polar region last week alongside foreign office officials and staff from the British Antarctic Survey.

10:55am

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael now talking about his Antarctic Bill in the House of Commons.

Watch live video coverage at: www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/21006885

10:53am

Due to snow Maidenhill Sports & Dance Centre in Stonehouse, Thomas Keble Sports Centre, at Thomas Keble School, Eastcombe, and Wotton Sports Centre, located at Katharine Lady Berkeley School, Wotton Under Edge, will be closed until Monday, January 21.

10:49am

10:48am

10:48am

10:48am

The Museum in the Park, in Stratford Park, Stroud, will shut at 1pm today but will hopefully open as normal on Saturday and Sunday.

In case this changes, it's a good idea to call the museum on 01453 763394 or visit the museum's website on www.museuminthepark.org.uk before making your journey.

10:45am

10:43am

The Museum in the Park will shut at 1pm today and will hopefully open as normal on Saturday and Sunday.

In case this changes, it's a good idea to call the museum on 01453 763394 or visit the museum's website before making your journey.

10:42am

Sports centres have announced closures in the Stroud district.

Maidenhill Sports and Dance Centre, Thomas Keble Sports Centre and Wotton Sports Centre will be closed this evening and over the weekend.

10:39am

Snowy scenes on the Cotswold Canals Trust's webcam at Wallbridge #stroudsnow

www.cotswoldcanals.com/pages/wallbridge-webcam---live.php

10:33am

Gloucestershire County Council has just issued a press release saying that a scheduled closure of Stroud High Street for resurfacing work on Sunday, January 20 will now be postponed because of the severe weather.

It says: "The pedestrianised section of the street was due to be closed on Sunday, January 20 and Sunday, February 10 to cause as little disruption as possible while heavy machinery is moved on to the site.

"The closures are now scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 27 and Sunday, February 10."

10:27am

For advice on driving in severe weather and information on what to do if you get stuck or break down go to www.drivingadvice.org.uk

10:26am

Reports on Twitter of a police van in collision with a vehicle in Bisley Old Road, Stroud, just above Nouncell’s Cross.

10:23am

A419 Ebley Bypass in Stonehouse closed in both directions at the B4008 Ebley Road junction because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

10:21am

10:18am

Hazardous driving conditions on M5 both ways between J14, Thornbury, and J8 M50, because of snow.

10:15am

Safe at Home Partnership Gloucestershire which provides assistance for elderly and vulnerable people has funding available to help with cold homes.

The funding is available for people over 60, those on means tested benefits and people with disabilities.

Anyone who is eligible for funding should contact Safe at Home Partnership manager, Paul Riddick, on 0800 0323 139 to organise a home visit today.

Mr Riddick said: “We are open today but close at 5pm and are closed over the weekend.

“Anyone who needs help in this severe weather should call the freephone number and we will make an appointment to come and visit you today – weather permitting.”

10:12am

Anyone who is stuck at home today because of the snow can watch Stroud MP Neil Carmichael's Antarctic Bill being debated in the House of Commons now.

Just go to www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/21006885 for live video coverage.

10:11am

A SCHEDULED closure of Stroud High Street for resurfacing work will be postponed on Sunday, January 20, because of the severe weather.

The pedestrianised section of the street was due to be closed on this date and Sunday, February 10, to cause as little disruption as possible while heavy machinery is moved on to the site.

The closure is now scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 27, and Sunday, February 10.

Resurfacing will take place on the days in between as scheduled.

The closure will only affect the small number of vehicles permitted to use the pedestrian zone. Works will continue during the week using traffic management, with disruption kept to a minimum.

10:08am

10:05am

10:04am

Gloucestershire Deaf Association has tweeted that anyone who has difficulty with spoken conversation who is worried about getting about in the snow should contact Gloucestershire police via text.

For information on how to do this go to: http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contactus/SMS%20Texting/item15707.html

9:53am

9:47am

POLICE have just issued a press release listing the roads in Gloucestershire which have been closed due to heavy snow.

The current closures in place are:

A419               Cowcombe Hill
A419               Little Witcombe (Birdlip)
A48                 Arlington
A435               Cirencester to Cheltenham
A435               Charlton Kings to Severn Springs

There are also hazardous conditions on some roads and drivers are advised to avoid these areas:

A4151             Littledean Cinderford
A429               Fossebridge
A436               Birdlip to Severn Springs
A417               Birdlip Hill

Police are urging drivers not to make unnecessary journeys.

Traffic information can also be found on the Highways Agency website here: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/

9:41am

SNJ journalist Hayley Mortimer has tweeted this morning to say that the A46 from Brockworth to Stroud is impassable.

9:38am

The Ladder in Nailsworth closed in both directions at the Hollies Hill junction because of snow and collapsed wall.

9:38am

POLICE are now advising motorists not to attempt driving up Rodborough Hill or Cowcombe Hill due to the hazardous conditions.

9:23am

Waste and recycling collections in the Stroud District have been cancelled today (Friday) due to snow.

Householders are advised to leave out their waste and recycling.

If conditions improve the council will attempt to catch up on missed collections on Saturday and Monday.

If it hasn’t been collected by Monday residents are asked to take it back in and put it out for their next scheduled collection day.

More info at: http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/waste.asp#s=sectioncontent4&p=missed

8:31am

REPORTS of hazardous driving conditions on the A419 Cowcombe Hill in Chalford, at the Gipsy Lane junction because of a broken down vehicle and snow.

8:29am

THE A46 Dudbridge Hill in Stroud is closed at the A419 junction because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

5:05pm

Gloucestershire County Council, the district councils and the police will be using #glosprepared to keep everyone updated on twitter with the latest information regarding the severe weather.

4:59pm

Hartpury College, Gloucester, will be closed tomorrow, Friday January 18, due to the forecast of snow and the likely impact on college.

For more information go to www.glosclosedschools.com

4:53pm

A QUEDGELEY man who left his car to defrost while he was indoors getting ready had his satellite navigation system stolen from the unattended vehicle.
 

The incident happened in Kestrel Gardens, Quedgeley at about 10.10am on Wednesday, January 16, after the victim, a 27-year-old man, left the engine of his Volkswagen Golf running while it was on his driveway.
 

An unknown offender entered the vehicle through the unlocked driver’s door and grabbed a TomTom satellite navigation system worth around £150 and £6 in cash.
 

Quedgeley PC Lucy Kay said: “It happens a few times every year and our advice is simply not to take the risk.
 

“A couple of weeks ago when I was on patrol I saw a car with nobody nearby and the engine running and took the keys out myself.
 

“When the owner appeared seven minutes later I gave him the keys back and explained that he was lucky I was a police officer and not a thief. If the car had been stolen the offender could have been on the motorway by the time the owner realised.”
 

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 119 of January 16.

3:10pm

STROUD District Council has issued advice on waste and recycling disruptions which could occur if severe weather persists.

The council asks that residents leave their waste at the kerbside for a period of 48 hours after their scheduled collection day.

Crews will try to get to their property, but if they have not within the 48 hour period, residents are asked to take the waste back in and present it on their next scheduled collection day.

For example, if a resident's collection day is on Friday and crews are not able to visit, waste and recycling should be left on the kerb until Monday.

If at this stage crews have still not visited the property, the waste should be taken in and presented on the next scheduled collection day.

3:02pm

AN amber weather warning has been issued for the Five Valleys area.

2:58pm

The Shrubberies School, Stroud, will be closed tomorrow, Friday January 18, due to forecast snow and the likely impact on school transport.

For more information go to www.glosclosedschools.com

2:38pm

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council is prepared for the snow this weekend.
 

Highways teams are on standby across the county as snow is expected to hit Gloucestershire in the coming days.
 

Some parts of Gloucestershire are likely to face up to four inches of snowfall, which, added to forecasted winds, could bring blizzard conditions to higher ground.
 

Gritters have already been out on all A, B and some C roads, including Stroud High Street, as well as routes to emergency services, from fire stations to hospitals.

Secondary routes, including remaining bus routes, have also being tackled.
 

Meanwhile, the council will be monitoring conditions around the clock this weekend, ensuring people can travel as safely as possible across the county.

Drivers are asked however, to take extra care and think about their journeys before setting off.
 

Jenny Goodson, area highways manager, said: “It’s predicted that the county will see its first significant snowfall of the year this weekend and, as always, highways teams are fully prepared for the worst.
 

“Though we are only expecting a brief period of snow in the coming days, our teams will work hard day and night to make sure the effects of the bad weather are as short-lived as possible.”
 

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: “We are well aware of what is required of us as a council during periods of severe weather and residents can be assured that teams will be treating the county’s roads before, during and after the snow has fallen.

Tips on driving in icy conditions can be found at http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/winter

2:27pm

St Peter’s Catholic High School, Gloucester, will be closed tomorrow, Friday January 18, due to forecast snow and the likely impact on school transport.
 

However, the school will be open to students scheduled to take public exams.

For more information go to www.glosclosedschools.com

2:24pm

Birdlip Primary School near Gloucester will be closed tomorrow, Friday January 18, due to forecast snow, high winds, and the impact this will have on access routes to the school’s location.
 

For more information go to www.glosclosedschools.com

2:20pm

SUPERMARKETS in the Stroud area have seen a rush of customers as a result of snow panic.
 

One shopper said on twitter: “Sainsbury’s in Stroud is rammed. Queuing in the car park like it’s Christmas Eve – snow panic.”
 

Neil Barber, manager of the Stroud Sainsbury’s in Dudbridge, said people have just gone crazy.
 

“We are looking like we are going to end up 50 per cent busier than a normal Thursday, although the money we take extra today we will probably lose tomorrow.”
 

Mr Barber wanted to stress that the Stroud Sainsbury’s will absolutely be open tomorrow, Friday.
 

“We have already got provisions in place for people who live locally to open the store tomorrow,” he said.