A school in Manchester was closed after a dead rat led to a ‘tremendous stench’
A primary school has shut after complaints about a ‘tremendous smell’ which led the discovery of a dead rat in the ceiling above where children were working.
Pest control experts were called in to St Philip’s C of E Primary School in Hulme, Manchester, after the rodent was allegedly found above the computer room.
The whole school was examined after the discovery and it was closed all day yesterday and today – although staff hope it will reopen on Monday.
Headmaster Paul Edwards said: ‘We took the decision to close the school as a precautionary measure after a dead rat was found inside the building last night.
‘We’ve called a pest control company in to deal with it and to take some further precautionary measures and fully expect school to be open again on Monday.’
A source said more rats were spotted within the ceiling, adding: ‘For some time now the staff have been complaining of a tremendous smell within the school environment. One staff member started to heave.’
In a letter to parents posted on the school’s website on Wednesday, Mr Edwards continued: ‘Thank you for your understanding regarding the necessary closure of school today and tomorrow.
‘I felt it was right to do so because, at the time of closing, a strong smell was affecting the school environment and I was concerned that this would have a detrimental effect on the children.
The head teacher said the smell ‘was affecting the school environment’
‘The situation was being investigated by professionals at the time and a single rat carcass was discovered in the building. Today I am, as a precaution, having school thoroughly investigated.
‘The kitchens have been examined already and are fine and the rest of school will be looked at tomorrow.
‘I am confident that experts will make sure that school is safe for reopening as planned on Monday.’
When approached about the matter before the school made a statement, its chair of governors, Philip Geldard, said it was being closed for environmental reasons.