Flood-hit school still closed

Winstanley Community Primary School has been closed since last Wednesday when heavy downpours triggered flash flooding in the borough.

The school sustained extensive damage but thanks to a fundraising campaign launched by a parent, pupils should be able to return on Tuesday.

Staff have been working hard throughout the week to drain the flood water from the school and strip damaged carpets, furniture and equipment so the school could be deep cleaned.

Headteacher Karen Thompson said: “The water started coming in on Wednesday evening and luckily a lot of the staff were in for a training evening so we were able to save a lot of the computer equipment,

“The water came in so quickly. We were told there was water in the hallway by the cleaning staff and by the time we went out it was ankle deep. The fire service arrived and said the school had to be evacuated. Coming back the next morning was heartbreaking to the see the amount of damage.”

Mrs Thompson is hopeful the school will reopen on Tuesday but further work will need to be undertaken in the summer holidays to lay permanent flooring and replace furniture.

She said: “Staff morale could have been pretty low especially as everyone works so hard to make the school a nice place to teach children but we have had people coming in with cakes and bottles of water.

“The donations are fantastic but so are the messages we have received alongside them.”

To donate, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/WinstanleyPrimaryFloodAppeal.