by Martin Jefferies

Thanet is slowly starting to return to normal after yesterday's heavy snow falls but the big freeze continues to cause some disruption.

Dozens of schools in Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and the villages will remain closed until Monday at the earliest.

Meanwhile, sub-zero overnight temperatures have allowed ice to form on roads and pavements, with dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians struggling to make their way around the isle.

Kent Police is continuing to advise motorists not to travel unless their journey is absolutely essential.

Waste and recycling collections have been suspended for the second day running, with roads conditions too dangerous for Thanet council's fleet of refuse trucks. Collections are expected to resume early next week.

However, staff have been busy clearing roads, pavements and bus stops, as well as the crematorium in Margate.

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Elsewhere, public transport is still subject to cancellations and delays.

Stagecoach says its Thanet Loop bus service is operating as normal, although it is not able to travel along Plains of Waterloo, Ramsgate, and is travelling along Victoria Road instead.

The Breeze (number 8) is running between Canterbury and Thanet, although it is not able to reach Northdown Park, while the number 34 is unable to access the Newington estate in Ramsgate. The number 32 has been suspended.

Southeastern train services continue to be badly affected. The company is running an emergency timetable, with no trains at all between Ramsgate and London Victoria, London Bridge or London Cannon Street via the Medway Towns.

Mainline trains are running between London Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, London Bridge and London Cannon Street via Canterbury West and Ashford International, and between Ramsgate and Dover Priory, although these are subject to major disruption.

High speed trains between Ramsgate and London St Pancras International are operating with some delays.

On the roads, phase one of Operation Stack is still in place for the third day running on the coastbound M20. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

The M2, M25 and M26 are all open and passable with care. There are no reported problems on the A299 Thanet Way.