Gas leak fear closes Mid Wales school

Pupils and?staff were forced to evacuate a school in Mid Wales today following a suspected gas leak.

More than 80 children were sent home from Ardwyn Nursery and Infants School in Welshpool just after 10am today.

Powys County Council said the school would remain closed throughout the day because of health and safety issues.

Many parents were notified through the council's alert system, which sends out an e-mail or text message to inform them of any closure at their child's school.

John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council said he hoped the school would reopen tomorrow.

He said: "Staff and pupils were forced to evacuate the school earlier today because of a smell of gas.

"The utilities company was sent out to the school following the reports and are currently investigating.

"If everything is given the all clear today, the school should reopen tomorrow."

Mrs Yvonne Naylor, headteacher of Ardwyn Nursery and Infants School, said: "Gas was smelt by school staff and parents this morning which has been reported to the utilities company.

"As a precaution, the school has been closed until the all clear has been given.

"We anticipate that the school will reopen as normal tomorrow morning."

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said she had received a call from the school just after 10am.

She said: " Obviously, it's one of those things that can't be helped.

"The school acted very swiftly and promptly and my son was very happy to have been given a day off school."

The school is currently preparing for it's St David's Day Eisteddfod on Thursday. Pupils have been busy rehearsing poems, songs and recitals for the event, which is held throughout the day.

It is situated on the top of the town's Red Bank, caters for children aged between four and seven years-old.