Breaking News: School forced to close after burglars cause massive floods

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 26/11/2008

A Primary school was forced to close after yobs broke in and stole copper pipes – causing massive floods throughout the building.

Pupils from Moorhouse Primary School, Milnrow, were turned away from the school gates this morning (Wednesday 26 November), as fire crews and police investigated the scene.

The infant block, including Key Stage One, the nursery and reception, will be open as normal tomorrow, but it is believed the main part of the school will be forced to remain closed until “at least Monday”.

Head teacher Richard Lee said: “The main corridors are heavily flooded and there was no way we could have opened the school as normal today.

“Even our electrical system was down, so we couldn’t make calls to inform people of the chaos. We had teachers stood at the school gates turning people away.”

“Obviously we want to function as normally as possible and we will open everything as soon as we can, but the main hall and the main part of the school wont be open until at least Monday.”

Councillor Keith Swift, Chair of Governors, expressed his concern for children and parents who have suffered as a result of the closure. He said: “It is outrageous that these burglars should target a school, meaning the children’s education suffers. 

“It causes so many problems for parents who have to take time off work because the school is closed.

“Hopefully the CCTV system has picked up footage of who did this so the police can take the appropriate action.”