IT was slow going rather than a rush-hour for most people in Felixstowe this evening with sideroads and pavements still treacherous.

The Port of Felixstowe was still running limited operations, though officials said 70 per cent of the container parks were now clear of snow and ice and working normally.

Operation Stack ran from 8.30am with drivers waiting for clearance to proceed to a booking spot at the port, but the was eventually called off just after 5pm after the backlog of work was completed.

A spokesman for the Port of Felixstowe said: “Snow and ice are continuing to affect certain areas of the terminal.

“We continue to target these areas which are not currently open and are working on clearing these as soon as possible, weather permitting.”

Main roads in and around the town were running well and free of snow, with gritters out again late afternoon.

Sideroads were troublesome. Temperatures had just about managed to get up to freezing during the day, but there was no thaw and most streets were compacted snow and sheet ice.

Drivers were finding wheelspin a problem and cornering a skid nightmare.

There were still Christmas card scenes around the town – snow on the beach at Old Felixstowe and down to the Ferry, and lots of people out walking enjoying the cold and beautiful landscape.

All the town’s schools opened – though some a little later than usual.