Issues with the hot water system have forced a Swindon school to temporarily close next week.

East Wichel Community Primary School and Nursery wrote to pupils’ parents and guardians over the weekend to inform them that “challenges with [the] school’s hot water over the past few days” have made it impossible for it to open on November 18.

They added that things should be back to normal shortly after that, with lessons expected to resume as usual on Tuesday.

A school spokesperson said in an email seen by the Adver: “Despite our efforts to resolve the problem with engineers on-site, we have been unable to fully restore the system and now it is down completely.

“It is leaking and some core components need replacing. These have been ordered but despite our best efforts, they will not arrive until Monday.

“We have been advised that the entire system will need to be drained and reset, which unfortunately means that the school will need to close on Monday.

“We are truly sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and understand the disruption this may bring to your plans.

“However there is no viable short-term solution that would allow us to ensure essential health and safety standards.

“Operating without hot water would present an unacceptable health and safety risk.”

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app