Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari metal theft forces pupils home

Pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari have been sent home due to damage to the school heating system

Hundreds of children have been sent home after metal thieves stole copper piping from the comprehensive school's heating system.

The theft caused thousands of pounds worth of flooding damage at Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Thieves broke into the boilerhouse overnight to take copper piping.

It is hoped the school, previously targeted by thieves who stole lead from the roof, is expected to reopen on Thursday. It has about 700 pupils.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said the damage overnight had brought additional costs from the disruption of lunchtime meals at the Welsh-medium comprehensive and the need to find extra transport to take some pupils home.

The local authority said metal thefts was costing it more then £250,000 per year.

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for education, said: "I am absolutely appalled by the blatant theft and vandalism at Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari.

'Precious buildings'

"Apart from this, we are outraged that our communities are endangered and upset by the mindless theft of metal from our street lighting columns, roads and even precious buildings such as churches and crematoriums.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything or sees anything suspicious to come forward and report the information.

"Thefts of this kind will not be tolerated in our county borough and we will catch those responsible."

Anyone with any information about the theft is contact South Wales Police on 101 or contact the council on 01443 494700.