A SCHOOL has apologised for any inconvenience caused after it remained closed on Friday, making it the only school in Bolton to do so.

St Stephens and All Martyrs Primary School say they made the decision at 7am due to adverse weather conditions which may have made conditions dangerous.

Some parents had to make last minute arrangements for their children due to being told of the closure at the last minute.

A school spokesman said: “The school was closed on the grounds of health and safety for the parents and the children and the decision was not taken lightly.

“The decision was made based on conditions at that time as the school has a breakfast club starting at 7:30am.

“As well as the icy conditions of the roads and pavements, several members of staff could not get into school from where they live.

“The school apologies for any inconvenience caused and the safety of our families and staff remains paramount.”

One mother, Alex Hinsley of Leaf Street in Darcy Lever, found out about the closure when she was already on her way to work in Manchester and had to make emergency arrangements to look after her seven-year-old.

The 29-year-old, who is a trainer in learning development, said she didn’t understand why the school was the only one in Bolton that was unable to open due to the weather.

“It is extremely frustrating,” she said. “They also had a teacher training day on Monday, so the children have only been in for three days this week.

“A text at 7:20am doesn’t give parents any time to make plans and they just expect you to be able to pluck this child care out of nowhere.”

Mrs Hinsley, whose other daughter was able to go to Little Feet Day Nursery in Bury New Road said she sent an e-mail to the school to complain.

She added: “I want to know what these ‘adverse weather conditions’ were as I was still able to get to Manchester on the train without any problem.

“It is difficult enough to pay and find childcare in school holidays but there isn’t anywhere that will take them at such short notice.”