Thieves flood Leamington school after stealing lead from its roof

THIEVES have caused extensive damage to a Leamington school after stealing lead from its roof.

They struck at some point over the Easter holidays at Clapham Terrace Primary School, and the recent rain has caused water to pour down into several classrooms, kitchens and a computer suite.

The damage is so serious that fears over safety forced the school to shut for the day on Tuesday (April 17).

Headteacher Jason Henderson told the Observer: “We are a Victorian school and the guttering on the pitched roofing is lined with lead.

"This was all stolen from the back section of the school by trespassers on to the site.

“We have no CCTV and the caretaker doesn't live on site so we don't know exactly when they struck, but the first we knew of it was when water started to leak in.

“We have re-opened now, after deciding to close on Tuesday, but we will be teaching children only in the unaffected areas while repairs are carried out.

“I understand that police have actually recovered the lead which was stolen but it cannot be put back on due to the shape it is in.”

Mr Henderson added he was in contact with education chiefs at Warwickshire County Council over repair works - the cost of which has yet to be assessed - and was also discussing possible security measures to prevent any further thefts from the site.

The Observer was first alerted to the damage by a pupil at the school, Ajay Bawa, who said it was “shocking”.

He added: “The whole school is disappointed at this. I think these crooks should be stopped before they do more damage to our school or another building.”

Police have been approached for comment but not replied.

Regional news »