Heating fuel thieves force school to shut

Youngsters at a Powys primary school were left without heating after being targeted by oil thieves.

Montgomery Primary School was forced to close its doors for three days after thieves emptied 350 litres of heating oil.

Arwyn Jones, headteacher, said children were sent home on Tuesday and the school only reopened today.

"We noticed the level of heating oil in the tank had dropped rapidly after the weekend break and by Tuesday we were left without heating," she said. "Parents were then informed and the children were sent home,"

"The tank was checked for leakages but none were found. It then became clear someone had been stealing the oil and the police were called in.

"We had a new secure tank and more heating oil delivered yesterday.

"It has caused a bit of disruption and I'm disappointed the thieves took it upon themselves to target this school."

Sian George, police spokeswoman, said: "We believe the oil was taken between November 10 and Monday."

Information to police on 08453 302000.