Ten schools closed due to burst pipes

Thousands of pupils are getting an extended Christmas holiday this week - after burst pipes at 10 schools forced them to close.

At least 10 schools across the region have shut fully or partially today after suffering flooding or heating problems.

Willenhall Sports College, in Furzebank Way, which suffered a burst pipe over the holidays, is open only to years 10 to 13. Years 7 to 9 have been given set work to do at home through the college website.

The school library, science department, gym and sports hall are among those rooms damaged.

Headteacher Vicki Till said: "The flooding has caused the flooring to raise as it dried, and become dangerous. We were desperate to open for our exam classes, and hopefully we will get all the students into school as soon as possible."

Perryfields High School in Oldacre Road, Oldbury, is still closed after a burst pipe damaged 14 classrooms. The school has been forced to devise a rota for the next four days telling pupils when to attend.

Head Dai Meredith said in a statement on the school's website: "Due to unprecedented severe weather conditions, and despite taking steps and expert advice to avoid burst water pipes, we have had significant flood damage to 14 classrooms. We also have minor issues relating to computer system access and some limitations to lunchtime facilities which means we are unable to function with all year groups at this present time."

Also closed due to burst pipes are Anson Primary School, in Main Road, Great Haywood and Redbrook Hayes Community Primary, in St Michael's Road, Rugeley.

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, in Marston Road, Stafford, is shut for the rest of the week due to burst pipes and a boiler failure, while Tillington Manor Primary School, Young Avenue, Stafford, has also been forced to close due to flooding which has affected the nursery, reception and Year 1 children. Oldbury College of Sport's Pound Road site is closed due to a heating problem, and Year 9 pupils were advised not to go to Alumwell Business and Enterprise College, in Primley Avenue, Walsall, after a block of classrooms flooded.

Tenterfields Primary School in Halesowen, is shut today after a burst pipe flooded the kitchen and the school was left without heating and water.

The school is set to reopen tomorrow but parents are being asked to ensure their children bring a packed lunch with them.

Hartlebury CE Primary School, near Kidderminster, also remained closed after burst pipes left the building without heating and water. Repairs were being carried out at the school, in The Village, today after nine pipes burst over the festive and New Year period.