Cold snap wreaks havoc in Conwy Valley schools

Jan 8 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Betws y Coed

ICY weather conditions wreaked havoc throughout the Conwy Valley this week, causing untold damage to rural schools.

Over 300 educational books were damaged at one school after a frozen water pipe burst, soaking the building in gallons of icy water. Pupils at the school in Llanfair Talhaiarn were turned away on Tuesday due to damage.

“Its heartbreaking that so many books were damaged due to a burst pipe,” said headteacher Eirian Price-Williams. “But it could have been a lot worse. Luckily I was in on Monday and discovered the damage and called the council repair people. I was also able to call most of the children’s parents to warn them of the situation. The pipe has now been repaired but there is still some cleaning up to do.”

Pupils at Ysgol Betws-y-Coed may have to find temporary premises until the weather changes as the building’s water supply, which runs directly under the main road, cannot be thawed. Headteacher Ifan Wyn Jones hopes to re-open today.

Ysgol Dolgarrog also had to close its doors to pupils on Tuesday after teachers discovered they had no water supply due to frozen pipes.

“We have now reopened, but the school couldn’t function without running water as it affected the toilets and kitchen,” said head Eleri Roberts.

Other Conwy Valley schools closed on Tuesday due to frozen pipes included Ysgol Bro Aled in Llansannan and Ysgol Dolwyddelan.

“There is nothing that can be done until the weather changes and the pipes defrost,” said new Dolwyddelan headteacher Llion Elis. “Obviously the children are delighted at a couple of extra days off but it’s a huge inconvenience to parents.”

Ysgol Pentrefoelas was also closed after temperatures in the playground were recorded at -11°C.

Ysgol Bro Cernyw in Llangernyw had to turn youngsters away as they had no heating.

“A burst water pipe has affected our heating, plus the roads around the school were far too icy for cars and taxis,” said head Sioned Green.

An army of council heating engineers and plumbers were out in force to repair the schools as yet more sub-zero temperatures are forecast to sweep the region. According to the Met Office, the severe conditions are set to continue for the next few days.