Grove Park Primary School in Sittingbourne forced to shut ‘until further notice’ after a main burst leaves homes without water

More than 400 children cannot attend classes at their school as it has been forced to close.

Grove Park Primary School, in Hilton Drive, Sittingbourne shut due to not having clean running water.

The closure comes due to a burst water main in nearby Gadby Road.

Residents in the area have also been without water or have low water pressure.

The school, which has around 410 pupils, alerted parents of its closure in an email sent at 8am this morning.

It said: “Unfortunately, due to a Grove Park Estate water leak we have been instructed to close until further notice.

“We appreciate this will cause you a disruption, however, until the school has clean running water we must remain closed.

“We will keep you updated. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and hope that we return to normal soon.”

It sent out a second letter this afternoon stating that the relevant checks had been completed but the site would remain closed for the rest of the day.

Normal opening hours will be in place from tomorrow (Thursday, June 13).

Southern Water fixed the main and some residents have reported they now have water.

A Southern Water spokesperson said: “The water supply has now been restored and the problem fixed.

“You may notice some discolouration when you first start to run the water; this is completely normal when there’s been a disruption in supply and is only temporary.

“Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

One concerned parent whose child attends the school, who did not want to be named, told KentOnline they have not been told when the school will reopen.

She said: “Hopefully it won't be closed for too long.”