Newent school closed after gas leak
Pupils and staff were sent home from Newent Community School today after a suspected gas leak.
The school and sixth form in Watery Lane has now had the heating turned off and will be closed tomorrow while work takes place to repair the fault.
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Headteacher Jane Steele said: “Unfortunately, we have been forced to close Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre due to a suspected gas leak.
“The suspected leak has been found today and needs to be repaired immediately.
“We have arranged for engineers to work on the problem tomorrow, but it may require more than one day.
“This means the school’s gas supply from the mains has now been switched off.
“Consequently, we will have no heating from now on.”
The school is expected to re-open on Thursday.
Mrs Steele added: “We hope to open the school again on Thursday February 4 and this information will be on the school website.”
For up-to-dat information visit the school's website at www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk
10 Comments
by newent parent, newnham
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:46PM
“Do people really think that Mrs Steel would close the school unless she really had to. I am glad that the health and safety of my son is being taken seriously. Also I think Newent is an excellent school I”
by Newent parent, Newent
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 3:39PM
“Guess that struck a nerve and i assume the supporter must work at the school. And NO i didnt have to stay at home and care for my child i went to work!! The gas is turned off no one is at threat packed lunch and an extra jumper for a few days would not be too hard on them.
Not blaming anyone for the snow or gas leak but could make the effort.........”
by Jude, FOD
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 10:21PM
“The safety of Pupils and Staff are paramount - there is a gas leak and for safety the School is closed and that is the best course of action for the situation. I guess the reason people are moaning is because it will mean they will have to care for their own children for a day !!!”
by Newent School Supporter, Newent
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:52PM
“1. TIG - Students and staff were sent home today - students went at 3.30pm AS NORMAL and many staff stayed late, also AS NORMAL!
2. Can some people please think before posting ignorant comments - would workers in any other workplace really be expected to go into work during a suspected gas leak??? really???
3. As for the long weekend comment - this disruption actually causes far more stress for students and staff alike - the students still need to get through the same amount of work in a now shorter time - and staff have to ensure that they get through it. The disruption is not very good for anyone (including parents but can we also think of the bigger picture here). Also, I know for a fact that many of the staff at Newent give up time on the weekends on a regular basis to give pupils extra revision or rehearsal time. They are dedicated and do a fantastic job - give them a break!
4. The whole 'teacher bashing' is ignorant and, frankly, boring! Why are some people blaming teachers because of the recent snow and now a gas leak? THEY DO NOT CONTROL THESE THIINGS! What are we going to try and hold teachers responsible for next? The recession, global warming, the high price of petrol and the non-existence of the tooth fairy? Get real!
I'm sure all concerned (teachers, students and parents) just want to get back to normal as soon as possible - we do not have to have someone to blame everytime things happen - life's just like that!”
by Dave, FoD
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:26PM
“Me thinks Jenny needs to go back to school ;)”
by elizabeth, chelt
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:11PM
“Sorry, comment directed to Jenny, not Paul.”
by elizabeth, Chelt
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:10PM
“Paul - how is it a long weekend if its an inservice day?!”
by Paul, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 8:36PM
“Yes, Jenny and Newent parent are both correct, the teachers should work Wednesday as their INSET day, after all it is only a gas leak so nothing serious.”
by Jenny, Glos
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 8:15PM
“Don't be silly, the teachers couldn't give up one of their in service days. What would happen to their long weekend?”
by Newent parent, Newent
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 6:16PM
“They have an in service day on Fri, why cant the teachers go in on Wed instead has the school not been closed enough due to snow. I am sure the teachers can wear an extra jumper”