A DUKINFIELD secondary school has been forced to delay its reopening after severe flooding damaged its boiler system.
Rayner Stephens did not escape the New Year’s Eve deluge, which saw a month’s worth of rainfall within 24 hours, causing widespread disruption across the borough.
Now pupils will not return until Thursday, January 9.
The Yew Tree Lane establishment’s basement was swamped, resulting in damage to the ignition modules for its boilers.
With the heating system rendered inoperable, the school has been left without adequate heating as temperatures continue to drop.
In a letter to parents and carers, headteacher Martin Davies explained the situation:
He wrote: “Unfortunately, we are going to have to delay the re-opening of the school to students next week until Thursday, January 9.
“This is due to us discovering yesterday that the extreme weather and heavy rain experienced over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, has resulted in significant flooding in the basement areas of the school which has damaged beyond repair, the ignition modules for the boilers and the school heating system.”
The letter reassured parents that work is already underway to resolve the issue.
Replacement parts for the heating system are being sourced and installed and temporary solutions are being implemented to ensure classrooms are adequately heated.
Parents are advised to monitor the school’s website and communication channels for further updates.