Lead theft sees school flooded in downpours (From Daily Echo)

Lead theft sees school flooded in downpours

3:53pm Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Eastleigh By Bethan Phillips , Reporter

LEAD thieves have caused carnage at a Hampshire school after torrential rain flooded offices and classrooms.

Around 40 children were sent home from Cherbourg Primary School in Eastleigh for two days when a raid on the school’s roof tiles lead to major damage.

Heavy showers poured through the damaged roof, running down walls into two classrooms, causing a power cut in part of the building and ruining children’s work.

Head teacher Julie Greer says this is the second time the school has been left to pick up the pieces after a lead theft.

Thieves also found their way on to the roof of the Edwardian building a year ago and ripped up valuable tiles.

Mrs Greer added: “There’s a huge cost to the public purse.

“And it’s horrible for the children and staff.

“The staff have spent the last two days trying to make it good again.

“I don’t know if these people realise the damage they do – perhaps they’re just thinking they’re pulling up a few bits of lead.

“But it’s things like the children’s work.

“The children have been so proud of their writing books and their maths books and in one of the classes the water’s all seeped through them. It’s really upsetting.”

Workmen have spent the last two days at the school making emergency repairs to the roof to stop any more flood damage.

The classrooms damaged were for Year 4 pupils and parents have been asked to keep their children at home if possible.

The school has returned to being fully open today.

The school is reviewing its security systems and considering adding an extra alarm to the roof.

Police say they are looking at CCTV in the area and are hoping witnesses will come forward.

The theft happened at some point between 8pm on Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.

Anyone with information should call Eastleigh Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.