Flood-hit school to reopen

Knowsley Junior School will reopen tomorrow after the flooding caused by torrential weekend rain.

The rain had overcome the guttering at the Stoneleigh Street school in Springhead and caused part of the roof covering four classrooms to collapse.

Building inspectors made the school safe, but the damage means that the school will remain closed today as carpet is being removed and the floor allowed to dry.

Oldham Council staff who launched the clean-up operation have been thanked for their efforts.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “I want to thank all of our staff who worked through Sunday to deal with this extreme weather event.

“The council has made substantial investments in raising our preparedness for an emergency and I was pleased to see the system work well.

“Flooding can be devastating for householders, but thankfully, yesterday’s downpour seems to have only caused superficial damage.”