Snowfall forces closure of Kent's Bluewater mall

Bluewater, Europe's largest shopping centre, was closed for the first time in its four-year history on Wednesday following heavy snow.

A spokeswoman said gritting lorries and snowploughs had been out in force.

Originally, a temporary closure had been planned, but a decision was then made to shut all day because customer safety could not be guaranteed.

Marks & Spencer, an anchor store, opened till 2pm but was the only store to trade.

Roads around the mall were gridlocked. Nearby Lakeside was open, although a handful of stores closed or opened late after staff were held up.