RESIDENTS of North and West Wiltshire have been warned to stay at home if possible and, if they do have to travel, to take care on the roads.

The warning came from Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Police and other emergency services as a blanket of snow covered the region.

The snow and ice forecast for this weekend by weather experts is expected to bring a second day of disruption to air and road travel in parts of the UK.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “During the night our crews treated both primary and secondary routes, and all roads currently remain open.

“Conditions are challenging though so if you do need to travel please go careful and always drive to the conditions. Hopefully the weather will ease later this morning.

“With sub-zero temperatures expected overnight there is the likelihood of widespread ice tomorrow so people should take extra care on their morning commute, particularly on untreated minor roads.

“We are in regular contact with the Met Office and we will concentrate on clearing and salting any primary and secondary routes.

“As always with weather like this, please take care while driving and always drive to the conditions.”

Community volunteers across the region are expected to be out with 4x4 vehicles to assist residents, the police and other emergency services.

Met Office amber warnings of a possible risk to life are in place in south-west England, south-east and mid-Wales and the West Midlands.

Overnight, 5-10 cm of snow fell widely and drivers are being urged to stay off the roads or to drive carefully if they have to travel.

Richard Leonard, Highways England's head of road safety, said while gritters would be treating the roads "it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast".

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports have advised passengers to check the latest flight information.

South Western Railways has cancelled some early services to test its tracks.

A spokesman said the company might need to run de-icing trains to clear routes before its timetable can resume.

Great Western Railway warned that some services between Bedwyn and Newbury may be cancelled due to the severe weather.

A GWR spokesperson said: “"Customers are advised not to travel as where trains are cancelled, road transport will not be provided due to the poor road conditions."

“Adverse weather continues to affect Great Western Railway services and this is expected to continue until the end of service.

“Due to severe weather between Bedwyn and Newbury some lines are blocked. Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 1pm.”

Wiltshire Police said: “Due to the snow which has fallen in Wiltshire overnight we are reminding drivers to take care on the county's roads.

“Stay safe out there please and we will try to keep you updated of any road closures.”

They added: “Is your journey entirely necessary? If it is take extra clothing, a flask of hot drink and some food, drive to the conditions and keep slow.”