Bognor Regis under seven inches of snow

The wintry weather created probably the deepest snowfall the town had seen in early December in living memory.

Hotham Park was turned into a sea of snow as entire bushes disappeared under the previous night’s blizzard.

The miniature railway tracks, the paths and the flower beds were all obliterated by the accumulation.

The pond was also frozen as the landscape took on an Arctic appearance.

Neville Road residents Bob and Lou Iles were among the early morning walkers taking in the snowy splendour.

Mr Iles, 47, said: “It looks fantastic and absolutely stunning, especially as we have not had any wind which has allowed the snow to cover everything.

“There are also some lovely snow patterns on the trees. People are out with their dogs who are ploughing through the snow with their noses.

“I’ve been in Bognor for some 20 years and I’ve never known it snow like this at this time of year. It’s a day for getting the toboggan and sleigh out.

“While it’s enjoyable to see, the downside is the disruption it causes. It’s too dangerous to drive. I tried last night but you can’t even see the kerb.

“That means people like carers may not be able to get around to do their works and that is a worry. Other people are stuck in their homes.”

Mr Iles worked from home but Mrs Iles, a 47-year-old teacher, saw her school in Farnham closed. Their son, Fred, 18, was also at home because his college course had been cancelled.

Elsewhere, around Bognor the seafront and shingle were also covered in snow right down to the water’s edge. Only the screech of the ever-present seagulls gave a glimmer of life to an otherwise silent scene, broke only by the gentle lapping of the waves, just before dawn.

The sea and the sky were an equally ominous lead colour as far as the horizon.

The flex on the beach outdoor gym equipment could be renamed flakes on the beach for the occasion.

Vehicles crawled along the main roads. Many vehicles had snow piled high on their roofs. But the amount of traffic was greatly reduced compared to a normal Thursday.

Pedestrians were able to get around the town centre with care as further light snow fell at 10am. But many outlying roads had kerbs, pavements and verges equally covered in snow.

The railway station was deserted apart from some members of staff with all services suspended for the day.

Buses also failed to run, though some hopeful commuters gathered at bus stops early in the morning. Refuse collections by Arun District Council’s contractor, Verdant, have been scrapped.

A contract opportunities evening by housebuilder Berkeley Homes being held at the Robin Hood and Premier Inn on Shripney Road has been cancelled.

The town hall is open until 2pm when a decision by the district council about closing for the afternoon will be made.

The building’s balcony contained perhaps the most fitting scene of the morning. An illuminated 12ft high snowman, made of light bulbs, looked down on the winter landscape below.