EXTREME weather certainly took its toll in Sussex last week.

Train and bus services were disrupted and schools were forced to closed due to the Beast From The East followed by Storm Emma.

Even the modern Amex stadium at Falmer suffered from the freezing temperatures, putting yesterday’s match against Arsenal at risk of postponement.

But Albion’s hardworking maintenance team refused to give into Storm Emma’s force.

The team, led by Albion’s facilities manager David Baker and supported by suppliers and contractors, managed to overcome a number of weather-related issues well ahead of yesterday’s match.

They were faced with the task of fixing more than 50 leaks around the stadium brought on by the weather and other issues, but worked fast to ensure the game could go ahead.

Chief executive Paul Barber said: “The sub-zero temperatures have presented David and his team with significant issues, including numerous locations where pipework and toilets were leaking, frozen and inoperable.

“Over the last few days the maintenance team have been working through these areas using specialist tools to defrost pipework, identifying and repairing leaks.

“There were more than 50 leaks across the stadium, due to the freezing cold weather, all of which have now been repaired and pipework replaced.”

In some cases complete toilet cisterns were frozen solid, while the kiosk fire system and hot water boiler have also been repaired.

Barber added: “The issues have arisen due to the

lowest temperatures the stadium has faced since opening.

“We will look to see if we can do anything to limit the chances of these issues

re-occurring should temperatures fall as low again.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, and all Albion fans, I have passed on our thanks to Dave Baker, his team and our suppliers as they have all done an absolutely outstanding job for us in very difficult conditions.”

More than 100 schools in the county were forced into closure last Tuesday when the Beast From The East snow swept in from Russia.

The weather continued to have an effect on travel, with many bus routes disrupted throughout Brighton and Hove.

London-bound train commuters endured delays on Thursday for a bizarre reason – 8ft icicles hanging from the roof of the Balcombe tunnel due to holes in the ceiling.