GRITTERS started early in Monmouthshire on Friday with workers out at 1am to grit the county's roads.

But with many staying away from their cars there were fewer vehicles out to compact the snow into the grit.

Armand Watts, a Chepstow councillor, said saw even 4x4s struggling to travel on roads in the town. While main roads like the A48 were gritted some side roads were not passable, he said.

The councillor has offered his services to help elderly and vulnerable people if the situation gets worse, and asked people to contact their neighbours.

"People who are fit and healthy should be coming forward to ensure that elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, kept warm and get basics," he said.

Despite the snow some council services were open.

Abergavenny, Caldicot, Usk and Monmouthshire libraries were open although Chepstow and Gilwern were closed, while all museums were open as usual.

However all refuse and recycling collections were suspended throughout the county, apart from the county's secondary schools which were open for exam pupils.