Frozen pipes close three schools

The schools share a kitchen where pipes are frozen

More than 400 pupils in west Wales have been told to stay home because of frozen pipes at their schools.

Staff at neighbouring Ammanford junior and nursery and Gymraeg Rhydaman schools returned to work on Monday following the Christmas break to discover the plumbing problems.

It is an unfortunate start to the New Year but without any heating or water we could not keep the children here

Irene Jones

The breakdown means the Amman Valley schools, which have a common kitchen, have no cooking facilities, hot water, heating or working toilets.

Engineers are waiting for the pipes to defrost before they can determine the extent of the disruption.

But the schools are expected to remain closed on Tuesday and, with freezing weather predicted to continue, may stay shut even longer.

Head teachers at the three High Street schools held an emergency meeting at which they decided they had no choice but to send their pupils home.

The junior school has 269 pupils, the Welsh-language school around 120 pupils and the nursery school has more than 80 youngsters.

John Williams, head teacher at Ammanford Junior School, said: "We are closed today and tomorrow because of frozen pipes and heating problems.

Meeting

"The schools all feed off the same kitchen.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will endeavour to keep parents informed about the situation."

Geraint Davies, head teacher at Gymraeg Rhydaman, said: "There is no heating and the pipes are frozen solid.

"We held a meeting this morning and it was obvious that we had no choice but to close.

"We can say that the schools will be closed tomorrow and we want to give parents the opportunity to make arrangements for their children."

Update

Ammanford Nursery School head teacher Irene Jones said: "It is an unfortunate start to the New Year but without any heating or water we could not keep the children here."

Carmarthenshire County Council is keeping an update on the schools on its website.