Emergency primary school closure in Eastbourne
West Rise Primary School in Eastbourne has partly closed for an emergency on Wednesday (September 23), East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has said.
An email sent to all parents and carers of pupils at the school, seen by the Eastbourne Herald, said “traces of legionella” had been identified in a cold water tank.
A spokesperson for West Rise Primary School said: “Routine tests of the school’s water system have identified traces of legionella in the cold water tank that serves the majority of the school’s toilets and washbasins. No trace was found in the school's drinking water.
“As a precautionary measure, based on recommendations from the water testing company, we were advised to close all toilets that are served by the tank until the water can be treated.
“A one day partial closure arrangement was put in place for year groups whose toilets were fed by the infected tank, while we arranged for portable toilets to be delivered onto the school site for use whilst the treatment and re-testing work is taking place.”
“All year groups will be able to school, as usual, on Thursday 24th September.”
ESCC’s website reads that the school in Chaffinch Road was closed for years 1,2,3 and 4 on Wednesday with online work set for pupils and information sent to parents and carers.
ESCC confirmed the school remained open as normal for nursery, reception, years 5 and 6 - including school meals, breakfast club and after-school club.