CLASSES have been closed after an infestation of rats at a primary school.

Children from the nursery groups have been unable to attend lessons for a fortnight after the rats were discovered at St Mary’s in Brymbo.

A local councillor is now demanding swift action to tackle the problem and to get the children back to school.

Cllr Paul Rogers, who is a governor at the school in Ael-y-Bryn, said: “The rats were discovered about two weeks ago.

“Two classrooms were closed - the nursery and the reception class.

“The children were sent home with a note explaining to their parents there was a problem with rats.

“There was also an information sheet warning about the diseases rats can cause.

“The local education authority, which is Wrexham Council, has sent in workmen and I believe they have put traps and poison down but can’t stop the problem."

Toni Slater, public protection services manager at Wrexham said: “Evidence of rats being present in two classrooms and toilet accommodation at the school were reported to public protection in May and officers visited the site immediately.

“The infestation was treated and subsequent visits to check on the situation have shown that the classroom areas are now clear of rats.

“The toilet area remains closed but is expected to re-open later in the week once officers have giving it the all clear.

“Disruption at the school was kept to a minimum and the reception pupils were accommodated elsewhere in the school.

“Only the nursery pupils were asked to remain at home until the problem was overcome.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure parents whose children attend St Mary’s that the classrooms have all been cleaned to a high standard and that there is no threat to public health.”

Cllr Rogers said he believed the building’s age could be part of the problem in dealing with the rats.

He added: “I believe some equipment may have been damaged by the rats.

“This is not the first time the school has had problems.

“Over the years the ratman has been in on several occasions.

“I have received complaints from many parents about this who are worried about their children being kept off school.

“As a governor of the school I am very concerned for children and staff.

“The problem needs resolving as soon as possible and I intend to raise it with the leader of the council, Aled Roberts, who is also the lead member for education.”