Ross school forced to shut amid neighbour's feud
ALMOST 300 Ross-shire pupils have been sent home today (Friday) after a dispute between a neighbour and a local contractor left a primary school without any water.
Highland Council said Ben Wyvis Primary School in Conon Bridge was forced to shut at 8.30am this morning because there was no water for toilets, heating or school meals.
A contractor digging at the school hit and broke a water pipe on Thursday which meant the supply had to be turned off while the damage was repaired.
The stopcock for the school’s supply is located in a neighbour’s driveway and while he allowed access for the water to be turned off yesterday, the resident refused to allow access for it to be turned back on and parked his car on top of the valve.
It is understood the neighbour has been involved in a long-running dispute with Barr, the main contractor for the building of Ben Wyvis School which opened last summer.
Police attended at the house on Thursday night and again on Friday morning in bid to try and negotiate with parties.
But when the neighbour refused to co-operate, it left the council with no option but to close the school this morning.
Scottish Water is now trying desperately to secure a warrant to compel the man to move his vehicle and allow access in order that the water supply to the school can be reconnected.
Inspector Neil Mackinnon at Dingwall told the North Star today: "Officers were there last night and again this morning to give advice to the parties. However it is a civil matter and police will be taking no further action."
Local Highland Councillor Angela MacLean described the neighbour’s actions as "unbelievably stupid and selfish".
"He is holding a whole school to ransom," said Cllr MacLean, "as well as causing huge inconvenience to parents of 292 pupils who have had to take a day off work to look after their children."
A Highland Council spokesman said: "The school was closed at 8.30am this morning and 292 are affected. It will remain closed until further notice.
"Parents should phone the school’s PIN identity telephone numbers for further information or consult the Highland Council’s website under school closures."
The new £8.9 million Ben Wyvis Primary School, which serves the neighbouring villages of Conon Bridge and Maryburgh, opened last summer. Contractor Barr is still finishing off work in the grounds of the school.