Flooding causes 'extensive damage' and closes special school

A school for secondary-aged children with severe and complex additional support needs has been forced to close due to "extensive damage" caused by flooding.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said Langlands School - located on its North West Community Campus in Dumfries - had suffered a "significant water leak".

It follows torrential downpours and some lightning storms in the area over the past few days.

The council said extensive testing and repairs would need to be carried out but it is hoped the school might be able to reopen before the end of the week.

Langlands was located at a site off Lovers Walk in the town for many years but moved to the new campus on Alloway Road in 2018.

According to the council's website, it has a roll of about 30 pupils.

"We can confirm there is extensive damage within teaching areas of Langlands Special School, which is part of the North West Community Campus," said a council statement.

"The school was closed today (Monday 18 May) and will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday 19 May) too.

"The headteacher is corresponding with parents and carers to keep them up to date with the situation, and it is hoped the school will reopen later this week, once extensive testing and repairs have been assessed and carried out."