Forres Academy was temporarily closed after a burst pipe flooded part of the building.

The ground floor suffered water damage after a compression joint failed in a water pipe on the first floor.

A number of ceiling tiles and floor coverings in the main reception area, canteen and technical and maths departments were also damaged.

Cleaners discovered the damage when they arrived at the school at 4.30am.

The water pipe was repaired and the school reopened the following day.

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The temporary closure comes mere days after plans were approved for a major extension at the school.

Five new classrooms, a guidance space, meeting rooms, new offices for the head and deputy head, as well as additional storage space and a new pump room, will now be built at Forres Academy.

The 313 sq m extension will result in the removal of outdated portacabins to the south east of the Burdsyard Road school site.

Objections had been received from two residents on the grounds of adverse impact on the surrounding amenity, and an increase in noise and litter were also among concerns raised, as were issues over car parking, access and reduced privacy.

However, officers recommended approval of the upgrade to the 1052-pupil school, stating that the proposal would not negatively impact on neighbouring Sanquhar Road homes.

Members of the planning and regulatory services committee unanimously backed the plan this week.

(JG/CD)