REDDITCH service representatives are breathing a sigh of relief that the potentially crippling fuel crisis ended when it did.

About 30 operations were cancelled at the Alexandra Hospital but a spokesman believes had the crisis continued, the situation could have been much worse.

She said: "We weren't affected too badly, staff pulled out all the stops to get into work and deserve praise.

"If the crisis had carried on the situation could have deteriorated. It was a relief it came to a halt when it did."

Redditch Council managed to keep service disruption to a minimum thanks to a reserve fuel supply kept for emergencies.

A spokesman said: "Essential services like refuse collection, the wardens service and Dial-a-Ride were minimally affected.

"At one stage it looked as though the council's leisure centre may have to close but this didn't happen."

Council leader Albert Wharrad added: "The last few days have shown we're well prepared to handle a range of situations."

Redditch police reported no significant problems over the weekend and normal services have now resumed.

But because some petrol stations may have low supplies, the police have urged townsfolk to limit their journeys, car-share or use public transport wherever possible.

Redditch MP Jacqui Smith believes townsfolk coped well during the crisis.

She said: "It was very difficult for people but tempers seemed to stay calm unlike other parts of the country.

"And Redditch organisations worked very hard to make sure people did not suffer as a result of this crisis."

Paddy Tipping, a Cabinet Office minister under Margaret Beckett visited the homes of Redditch folk yesterday to listen to any views they had, particularly about fuel tax and the recent crisis.