ST GABRIEL'S Primary School and Nursery in Prestonpans will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) as gas levels following a gas leak are "not reducing".

Following the evacuation of more than 150 pupils and two neighbouring households on Tuesday, the school was closed today and it has now been confirmed that it will not open to children or staff tomorrow.

Emergency gas works, carried out by SGN, have continued in the school grounds and on South Grange Avenue throughout the day, with children learning online.

SGN confirmed to the Courier that the residents of the two homes which were evacuated are also not permitted to return yet.

READ MORE: St Gabriel's Primary School remains closed on Wednesday due to gas leak

Nicola McDowell, East Lothian Council’s head of education, sent a message to parents this evening advising them that the school and nursery would be shut tomorrow and thanking them for their patience.

She said: "Unfortunately, SGN has advised that St Gabriel’s Primary School and Nursery will need to remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) as the company continues with its investigations.

"Gas readings are not reducing as expected in the school grounds and area surrounding it, and it is not possible to bring children and staff back into the building until this work concludes.

"Power within the building remains off at the current time as an essential safety measure.

"SGN is working to locate the source of the problem and resolve it as soon as possible, and our teams continue to press for a quick resolution.

"However, this is a complex area and it is vital that SGN is able to undertake its investigations to properly resolve the issue before we reopen our school.

"Online learning remains in place for those who can engage with it. Mr Buchanan will be in touch with parents and carers directly.

"We appreciate that this is not the news you wanted to hear; we are also keen to see children return to learning but hope you understand the reasons for this continued essential closure. We will provide further updates on likely timescales as soon as we hear from SGN."