A COLLEGE in the Meon Valley has been forced to close due to a gas leak and the upcoming teacher strike.

Swanmore College confirmed that it will be closed today (January 31) and tomorrow (February 1).

The gas leak has meant that there will be no heating, hot water or cooking facilities on site.

In a message on the college Facebook page, headteacher Kyle Jonathan said: "Unfortunately, the college needs to close with immediate effect due to a gas leak on site. 

"At this stage, we have not been given any indication of when this situation will be resolved and so we will need to update you on a day-to-day basis.

"In addition, I wrote to you last week about a series of intended strikes by the NEU teaching union, the first of which will be on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

READ MORE: List of Hampshire schools set to close on teachers' strike day

"The NEU union covers the majority of teaching staff at Swanmore College. Over the weekend, I was made aware that the number of staff striking is likely to be significant and as such, Swanmore College cannot open to all pupils safely. I am not aware of the full numbers of staff who will be striking. However, I do know already that the college would not be staffed appropriately to provide a safe education for your children and today's events have confirmed that closure is the only viable option.

"As such, I have had to make the decision to move to an online, live lesson provision from tomorrow, just as we had during the Covid years.

"Please note that pupils who are eligible for free school meals will be supported during this time and a separate communication will be sent.

"I apologise for the potential disruption to you and to your child's education and will endeavour to keep you updated as soon as we have additional information to share."