A secondary school near Boston had to close early yesterday (Thursday, October 22) after a blockage in the local sewer network left it without any working toilets – but there is praise for how Anglian Water and parents/carers responded to the issue.

William Lovel CofE Academy, in Stickney, was forced to bring forward the end of the school day to late morning as a result of the disruption.

Writing on its Facebook page, it said: “Due to an issue with the external drains, none of our toilets are currently working. Unfortunately, we therefore need to close the school today at 11.30am.

“Please contact the school to give permission for your child to leave. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

William Lovell CofE Academy, Stickney, has welcomed its latest Ofsted report.

placeholder image — William Lovell CofE Academy, Stickney, has welcomed its latest Ofsted report.

Speaking to the Standard that afternoon, the school praised Anglian Water for its response.

Headteacher Emma Bennett said: “We are delighted with the response from Anglian Water, who attended the site quickly and got to work on the issue.

“They are working hard to resolve and have kept us well updated. They have located the blockage and we should be back to normal service very soon.”

Mrs Bennett also praised the school’s ‘brilliant’ parents and carers for their response.

A spokesman for Anglian Water said: “There was a blockage in the local sewer network which our teams have now cleared. I believe the school is closed for half term now anyway too, so everything is operational and back to normal for their return.”