Education chiefs are planning for alternative options if a village school cannot reopen in September following a landslip.
People had to be evacuated and Main Road was closed in Parton near Whitehaven after a one-metre gap was spotted in the cliff above St Bridget’s Primary School.
The landslide, which was spotted on Wednesday, is believed to have been caused by a combination of the long spell of dry weather combined with heavy rain on Tuesday night to cause a split in the landscape.
A statement from Cumbria County Council, which is leading the operation, said: “Regarding St Bridget’s Primary School, we do not currently have enough information to know what the situation means for the school, either immediately or in the longer term.
“There is planning going on now to look at options if school is not able to safely reopen in September.”
People in affected homes have been evacuated to the Ennerdale Country House Hotel in Cleator.
The authority added: “At the current time the risk to public safety remains and evacuation and road closures remain in place.
“Unfortunately we cannot yet confirm how long these arrangements will remain in place.
“We strongly advise people to avoid the affected area and not return to homes if evacuated. Controlled access to homes can be facilitated if essential.
“Vegetation clearance work is now complete to allow for further detailed surveys.
“Detailed site survey work will begin on Monday and further detail from this will be provided when known.
“We understand people’s concerns, but there are many questions that we simply cannot answer yet.
“We will keep you updated as the situation develops.”
‘It’s like nothing I’ve seen in 60 years’ – Read the parish council chairman’s reaction here.
