Bin collections were disrupted and pipes burst as Arctic conditions returned to Walsall today – as police warned drivers about the dangers of leaving defrosting car engines running.

Officers conducted an early-morning operation in Streetly, targeting motorists who had left cars to defrost on their driveways despite a recent spate of thefts.

The plummeting temperatures caused two water pipes to burst in Bentley Road North, Bentley, and Hatherton Street in Walsall town centre.

Gritters were dispatched to stop the roads becoming ice rinks.

Meanwhile, people living in Kings Hill, Little London, Spring Bank, Bentley, Rough Hay, Ashmore Lake, County Bridge,

Willenhall, Fallings Heath, Darlaston and Moxley were warned to expect disruption to their bin collections.

Bosses at Walsall Council were forced to send street cleaners out to help binmen clear rubbish from icy and narrow side streets the 26-ton refuse trucks may struggle to access.

Any bins that were missed today will be emptied during a special collection on Monday from 7.30am.

During today’s extensive police operation, eight motorists were given a stark warning for leaving their defrosting cars unattended.

Police were on patrol between 6am and 8am in Streetly, which has been a hotspot for high-value car thefts in the recent cold weather.

Sgt Andy Middleton said: “We need to get the message across that there are thieves waiting to capitalise.”

The Met Office today warned worse weather is on its way — and temperatures tomorrow will not rise above -3C (26F).
At least eight flights from Birmingham Airport were cancelled today due to the poor weather abroad. London City Airport was also closed.

By Elizabeth Joyce and Catherine Dalton