School 'significantly damaged' by flash-flood and says it won't open on Monday
A secondary school has been badly damaged by flash-flooding linked to the thunderstorms and will not be able to open on Monday (September 23). Chosen Hill School in Churchdown said it had taken the decision with 'regret' but it was an 'extreme' event and safety checks need to be carried out.
The heavens opened on Friday afternoon (September 20) with a Met Office severe weather warning in place for thunderstorms. The sound of thunder and the flash of lightning continued into the evening, sparking chaos on many roads and flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency.
Chosen Hill, in Brookfield Road, put a message up on its website and on its social media channels. It said the closure is for all staff and students.
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It wrote: "It is with regret that we have unfortunately had to take the decision to close the school to all staff and students on Monday the 23rd September. This is due to significant flood damage tonight (Friday) caused by a flash flood.
"With further rain forecast over the weekend, we will be monitoring the situation. However in order to open the site safely we will need to conduct a full site electrical survey to assess the considerable damage caused.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this unforeseen and extreme event. We have made this decision now in order to provide you with as much notice as possible to make alternative arrangements. We will update you further on Monday."
During the downpours, some vehicles were trapped on the A40 in Charlton Kings. More than a thousand homes were also without power for a while after a huge power cut in the Tewkesbury area.