AS this bad weather is set to continue into the weekend, Essex County Council (ECC) is advising its residents not to take risks.

Heavy snow affects the roads and transport services, the council is advising residents to stay at home unless their journey is absolutely essential.

All general queries regarding any ECC service can be answered by Contact Essex - 0845 743 0430. Residents can also visit essex.gov.uk/winter for advice.

Parents should continue to check directly with schools on particular closures. Currently around 330 of Essex’s 550 primary and secondary schools are closed.

The WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service), who provide the Meals on Wheels service have worked to ensure all residents that require a meal have received one.

Where a home could not be reached because of the snow, the resident’s next of kin or social workers were contacted to assist in getting a meal delivered. The service is operating as usual today and there are 4x4s on standby should they be required.

Other services which ECC provides are continuing to operate where possible. Most libraries are currently open but residents are advised to contact the library helpline 0845 603 7628 before visiting.

Residents who use care services are advised to contact their care provider directly if they are expecting a service over the coming days and have any concerns or call the contact centre care hotline on 0845 603 7630.

The Essex Traffic Control Centre should be contacted for the latest travel advice on 0845 600 0110 or visiting the website on essex.gov.uk/travel or by e-mailing etcc@essexcc.gov.uk.

Bus services have been operating where it is safe to do so but residents are advised to check before they travel. Residents can check whether their bus services are running by calling the traffic control centre.

Leader of ECC Cllr Peter Martin said: “As the snow continues to fall, the council aims to get as much information out to the public as possible.

“The Contact Essex centre will stay open offering advice to the public on all the services which they receive from Essex County Council and others.”

The Essex Contact Centre remains open to help residents during the disruptive weather. It can be reached on the following numbers until 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9am – midday on Saturday for residents with queries relating to the following areas:

� Adult social care - 0845 603 7630

� Children and young people - 0845 603 7627

� 24 hour protection line for children & vulnerable adults - 0845 606 1212

� Environment - 0845 603 7624

� General enquiries - 0845 743 0430

� Highways - 0845 603 7631

� Libraries enquiry service - 0845 603 7628

� Registration - 0845 603 7632

� Trading standards (business) - 0845 603 7626

� Trading standards (consumer) - 0845 404 0506

� Essex traffic control centre (Monday to Friday 7am - 7pm) - 0845 600 0110

� Waste, disposal and recycling - 0845 603 7625