THE fuel crisis caused "minimal disruption" to life in Droitwich Spa - despite the initial panic.

Petrol stations across the town reported they were fully stocked up yesterday morning.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said the situation was continuing to improve and there were no significant problems over the weekend.

He added: "Normal policing resumed on Monday and all priority services have been able to refuel."

A Wychavon District Council spokeswoman said: "There was minimal disruption to services. Concern that there would be major disruption to refuse collection did not materialise. Council staff set up a car share scheme and cycled to work."

Salters' Shopping Centre manager Alison Alsbury said: "Shops have managed really well despite the difficulties.

"The main problem was that people panicked and the two supermarkets in the centre had to impose rationing on some products."

Alison, who is also chairman of the Droitwich Spa Association for Retail, Tourism and Services (DARTS), said the roads yesterday were busy with people racing to get petrol after rumours that the blockades would be set up again. She urged people not to panic buy.

Cledwyn-Davies, headteacher at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill, said last week's fuel shortages had not affected classes.

He added: "Despite staff having to travel a great distance to work, we were not hit by the blockades."