OME STRATFORD schools and colleges finally closed their doors today (Friday) as the petrol crisis began to hit home.

Despite the release of some petrol for essential services, including buses, the lack of school buses and teachers being forced off the road by fuel shortages meant some schools have been forced to close and others may follow them after the weekend.

Quinton Primary, Welcombe Hills School and Warwickshire College announced closure at least until Monday, however all hoped things would be back to normal soon after Thursday's end to the blockades. Stour Valley Community School will be closed on Monday.

Meanwhile the emergency services' contingency plans have helped them make it through the shortages without a hitch.

Also surviving the crisis is the Stratford-based charity, the Jennifer Trust for children with spinal muscular atrophy. The charity's annual conference, which begins tonight, is going ahead as planned after families attending vowed to make the journey to the Stratford Manor Hotel by train.