ST HELENS has been busy picking up the pieces after last night’s storm that swept across the North West.

Minor repairs have been carried out at some schools including Haydock High, St John Vianney, Mill Green and Willow Tree, said St Helens Council.

All schools are open as usual today (Thursday) however.

Fallen trees and branches were cleared from a number of roads including St James Road, Bishopdale Drive, St Anne Road, Mossborough Road, Holme Road, Washway Lane, Burrows Lane, Parkside Road and Bishop Road.

Early today Vincent Street was also closed while fallen chimney stacks were cleared from the road.

Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “Thankfully we seem to have escaped any serious damage and, thanks to prompt action by council clean up crews, we’ve been able to keep the borough moving during some fairly serious weather conditions.”