Dance studio at Homewood School in Tenterden suffers massive wind and rain damage
07:00, 17 January 2014
updated: 07:33, 17 January 2014
Devastating storm damage has put a school dance studio out of action for the rest of the academic year.
The single-storey building at Homewood School has been ruined after high winds lifted off the flat roof, peeling it back like a can opener, and letting in the rain.
The special wooden sprung floor has been lifted about two feet in places and is still covered with water.
Pressure from the floor lifting has caused one of the brick walls to bow, also putting two drama studios which share a corridor with the dance room out of action.
The damage is estimated at £200,000. The building is unlikely to be back in use until the next academic year starts in September.
School business manager Mark Seymour said: “I was really shocked when I saw the damage.
“I was also very sad because I realised the impact it would have.
“We are a performing arts school so this is one of our premier areas. To have the main dance studio out of action is not good.”
In addition to the studio damage, all the staff electrical equipment – such as computers and televisions – has been ruined.
Pupils classes have had to be accommodated in another small studio and elsewhere on the school site.
If the insurance company agrees, it is hoped repairs can start in a month.
The studio was used by about 300 to 400 pupils and was in use 90% of the time. It was also rented by external groups out of school hours. They have been accommodated elsewhere on the campus.