SCORES of drivers were left stranded as heavy snow hit major routes in and out of Exeter. Motorists, many commuting back from work, reported being stuck for several hours as gritters and traffic officers struggled to navigate through congestion to the wor

SCORES of drivers were left stranded as heavy snow hit major routes in and out of Exeter.

Motorists, many commuting back from work, reported being stuck for several hours as gritters and traffic officers struggled to navigate through congestion to the worst affected roads last Tuesday, January 12.

It is understood a number of garages near the city had run out of food with bus services also badly affected by the weather.

THE MET Office could lose its contract with the BBC.

The Exeter-based weather centre's contract with the broadcaster, which has put the contract out to tender to ensure 'best value for money' for license fee payers, expires this April.

More than 1,000 members of staff are employed by the office which has provided the BBC with forecasting services for around 90 years.

A PLANE owned by former F1 world champion Nigel Mansell was damaged in an incident at Exeter Airport.

The 56-year-old's Cessna Citation CJ2 was parked near a jet engine testing area when the tail fin was damaged.

A spokesperson for the airport said Mr Mansell's plane had been damaged by a Flybe Bombardier CRJ-900 undergoing the tests, but no-one was injured.

SCORES of jobs at Exeter City Council could be under threat.

Up to 14 posts could be axed in the city's planning, parking and tourism departments.

The local authority has warned unless it receives 'critical' funding from the Government to supplement the cost of concessionary bus fares, more cuts will have to be made.

The job threat comes with the council proposing to save more than �330,000 from its economy and tourism budget.