by Nadia Sam-Daliri Operations have been cancelled, schoolchildren told to stay at home and libraries shut as the continuing snowfall brings the borough to a halt. Delayed trains and a cancelled bus service have led the North West London

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

Operations have been cancelled, schoolchildren told to stay at home and libraries shut as the continuing snowfall brings the borough to a halt.

Delayed trains and a cancelled bus service have led the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust to cancel all routine operations and out-patients appointments today and tomorrow (Tuesday).

The trust, which said too many members of staff could not get to work, is contacting patients directly and re-arranging appointments.

Fiona Wise, the trust's chief executive, said services were cancelled so staff 'can concentrate resources on caring for those already in hospital and urgent cases'.

She added: "Many patients are unable to get to the hospital as well. Of course, should we need to carry out emergency operations we can."

The majority of schools across Brent were closed this morning, due to similar problems with staff getting in.

All London Overground services have been cancelled but the Underground is functioning, despite most lines suffering severe delays.

The Bakerloo Line is not running between Queen's Park and Harrow and Wealdstone, the Jubilee Line has stopped between Stanmore and Waterloo and the District Line between Earl's Court and Edgware Road and Kensington Olympia.

No service is operating on the Circle Line.

Transport for London (TfL) announced that some bus routes are now running in and out of Central London.

A TfL spokeswoman said: "Passengers should leave plenty of time and, where possible, stagger their travel home. The biggest difficulty remains road conditions which are extremely dangerous. Gritters were out yesterday and last night and will remain out today."

The borough's meals-on-wheels has been running today, Brent Council announced.

However, four of the borough's libraries have been shut and One Stop Services were closed from 3pm.

All sports centres are open until 8pm this evening.

Anyone with a medical problem is being advised to call NHS direct on 0845 4647, visit their nearest pharmacist or GP unless their condition is life threatening.

Go to www.brent.gov.uk for information on schools and libraries, www.tfl.gov.uk or call 020 7222 1234 for transport information and www.nwlh.nhs.uk for medical information.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk