Mums and dads told to monitor school websites
William Telford Senior Reporter and Business Specialist
12:54, 04 Jan 2026Updated 12:56, 04 Jan 2026
Kingsbridge Community College(Image: Google Maps)
Parents of children in the South Hams are being warned that schools may not be able to open tomorrow after the area was hit by a huge gas outage.
Devon County Council officers said five schools are due to start term either tomorrow or on Tuesday following the Christmas break.
But it is not yet known when the gas supply will be fully restored after the main was damaged by work on a field and subsequently gas was cut off for Kingsbridge, Malborough and Salcombe yesterday.
Wales and West Utilities engineers worked through the night on what was described as a “very challenging” repair job to the gas pipeline.
The main was fixed but engineers now need to visit every property in the affected area – twice – to turn off and then turn on the gas supply safely.
Devon County Council today said it was contacting care homes and schools in the area and reviewing gritting procedures to ensure key routes remain open for gas engineers and support workers.
A council spokesperson said there are five schools which are due to reopen after the Christmas break tomorrow or on Tuesday and which may be affected by the outage.
These are: Kingsbridge Community Primary School, Kingsbridge Community College, West Alvington C of E Academy, Malborough with South Huish CE Primary School, and Salcombe C of E Primary School.
The spokesperson said: “Restoring gas supplies to schools and vulnerable residents will be a priority.
“Parents and carers of children due to attend the schools are asked to monitor regular school communication channels.”
The council said school closures will be notified via the county council’s schools website here.