Stolen pipes close school on first day of term

Children were due back at school on Tuesday for the new term

A primary school has not reopened for the new term after thieves stole pipes leaving the site without water.

Davie Clifford, head teacher of Stirchley Primary School in Birmingham, said staff were working closely with engineers, who were on site, to restore the supply as quickly as possible.

He said the school, off Pershore Road, had been left without running water after pipework was stolen during a break-in at an unoccupied local constituency office, which affected supplies to the school.

Kitchens, toilets and access to drinking water were affected and staff had no option but to close the school, he said. He did not say when it might reopen.

He added: "I know this causes disruption for our families and, most importantly, for the children's learning, and I am truly sorry for the inconvenience."

The head teacher said the school would continue to keep parents fully updated.

The school calendar said children were expected to return for the start of the new school year on Tuesday.