BBC News Online: UK: Wales

Rats force school closure

More than 160 children were told to stay at home after dozens of the rodents were discovered living under the floorboards and between walls at Glanamman Valley Primary School near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Pest control officers called to examine strange noises under the school found rats climbing the walls.

All pupils were sent home while vermin traps were laid.

The incident has sparked worries amongst parents for the safety of children and staff alike.

"We are concerned for the health and welfare of the children and the staff," said Ian Llewellyn, chairman of the governors.

"The decision has been made to close the school in order to eradicate the rat problem."

The school will be closed for two weeks. In the meantime, educations chiefs have arranged to borrow facilities at nearby schools.

Pupils will be taught at Ammanford Comprehensive School and Garnant Junior School while problems at their own school are sorted out.

The future of Glanamman Primary has been under discussion for some time.

Carmarthenshire County Council has been considering closing the ageing school for good.

Councillors have discussed the possibility of permanent closure of the primary, along with two others - Garnant and Y Twyn and possibly replacing them with a single community school and adult education centre.