School closes after leak affects electricity supply

No heating, lighting, hot water, phone system or fire detection are some of the reasons that the school is deemed unsafe

A school has closed after a water leak in the roof affected the building's electricity supply.

Falkland Primary School in Newbury has sent a letter to parents explaining that the site is currently unsafe for children.

On social media, the school said: "The decision to close the school has not been taken lightly but the safety of staff and pupils is paramount."

The school is offering flexible learning, with some pupils being taught from home and some being offered classroom space at nearby churches and schools.

In a letter sent to parents, seen by the BBC, the school said: "The school is closed as the site is currently unsafe.

"This has been an informed decision following discussions with West Berks Critical Incident team, SSE and our electricians.

"The site safety has been compromised due to water leaking from an unknown source in the roof into the boiler house and the main electrical distribution board for the whole school."

No heating, lighting, hot water, phone system or fire detection are some of the reasons the school has been deemed unsafe.

'Sad'

The school added: "We fully appreciate how frustrating this may be for working parents and carers but the safety of staff and pupils and the wider community must and will always come first."

One parent, whose daughter attends the school, felt an incident like this was inevitable.

He said the building looked "tired and old" and was another example of a school falling into disrepair.

He said: "Sometimes the heating doesn't work, sometimes there are leaks.

"It's an amazing school but it's sad that children have to learn in these conditions."

He blamed the council and said building issues should have been reacted to more quickly.

West Berkshire Council has been approached for comment.