BOROUGH council leader Clive Sanders has praised council staff and the community for rallying together during the snowy conditions.

Up to four inches of snow blanketed the borough on Friday and over the weekend.

More than 50 schools were shut, and buses and trains were forced to suspend services or run revised timetables.

Cllr Clive Sanders, Conservative leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council paid tribute to the borough’s community spirit over the weekend.

“At times like this it is important people rally together and show their sense of community spirit to help themselves and those around them,” he said.

“This has been evident throughout the borough over the past few days and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed in some way be it helping to grit their street, checking on an elderly neighbour or providing transport to those who can’t travel.

“While the snow may cause some inconvenience I hope everyone’s efforts have helped to minimise this."

He also praised council staff and their efforts to keep the borough moving.

He said: “Despite the heavy snowfall and freezing conditions Basingstoke and Deane remained open for business and I would like to congratulate our staff for playing their part towards this.

“Bin crews have continued to empty residents’ bins where safe to do so and our operations team braved the conditions to help clear snow and grit the borough’s car parks, local shopping centre parades across the borough, the Top of Town, Alencon Link and the Leisure Park."