School in Cheddar closed following flash flooding

A school in Cheddar has been forced to close to pupils today (July 8) following flash flooding at the site.

Pupils at Fairland Middle School will be learning remotely today, after the heavy rainfall yesterday caused damage at the site from flood waters.

In a letter to parents, head teacher Stefan McHale described the flooding as "significant" and he would be making further assessments about the site today.

He said: "Closing a school is never an easy decision to make, especially after the year we have experienced so far.

"The heavy rainfall and flash flooding has caused some significant flooding and damage to a number of our classrooms and circulation areas.

"The flooding appears to have been caused by storm drains being unable to cope with the volume of water and 'backing up' to our Fairlands site as a result.

"Despite the best efforts of a number of our staff, we had areas under water and resulting water damage. This, therefore, leaves us with a significant health and safety risk to all site users.

"I have asked teaching staff to move to remote teaching. This means that all pupils should follow their normal timetable, including tutor time. Sports Day events will obviously be postponed and rescheduled for next week."