School forced to close for the day over 'health and safety' issues

A school remains closed due to a power cut causing ‘health and safety’ issues in the building.

A fault, which according to St John Plessington Catholic College started on Friday, affected people in Bebington, Wirral. Scottish Power resolved the issue that evening.

Staff came to the school on Old Chester Road yesterday to check electricity was up and running ahead of pupils returning. However, further outages left parts of the building without power.

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As a result, the school is closed today while electricians work to fix the issue. It is not known when the school will reopen. Pupils have been instructed to work from home and follow their normal timetable.

In a message to pupils and parents posted on the school’s Facebook page yesterday evening at around 8pm, Peadar McLoughlin, the headteacher of the school, said: “I am sorry for the late communication.

“Some of you will know we had some power issues in the local area on Friday. Scottish Power were on site throughout the day and the issues were resolved on Friday evening.

“In an attempt to ensure that the site was ready for pupil return tomorrow, staff came to site today, Sunday to check power, phones and networking.

“Unfortunately, there have been further power outages over the weekend and today and Scottish Power have been on hand to support us today to try and isolate the problem. While we do have some power to the building, this is unreliable and there are a number of sections of the building that do not have the power posing health and safety issues.

“As a result we will not be able to open the school tomorrow (Monday 15th April) to pupils. This is disappointing, but please be assured we have worked tirelessly today to address these issues. The decision to close is never taken lightly.

“A team of electricians will be on site first thing tomorrow in an attempt to rectify the issues. I will keep you fully updated throughout the day.

“Staff will ensure there is work on Google classroom and will be on hand to support pupils through their lessons and at normal times. Pupils should complete the work as per their timetable.

“Once again, I thank you for your understanding and apologise for the inconvenience.

"Please note that the power issues also mean that phone lines are unreliable and as such communication will be through email.”

On Scottish Power’s website, it says the outage affecting several CH63 postcodes, including the area where St John Plessington is located, has now been resolved, but says those still without power should get in touch with them.

In January, another power cut in Wirral forced the school to temporarily close. There was no electricity, heating, internet, phone lines or catering facilities on January 18, leaving the school with “no option” but to shut its doors.

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