ST GABRIEL'S Primary School and Nursery will remain shut on Monday as work to fix a gas leak continues.

East Lothian Council had initially hoped the school in Prestonpans could reopen at the start of next week.

Pupils were evacuated from the school on Tuesday after the leak was discovered and have not been able to return since; two nearby homes were evacuated at the same time.

The local authority has now announced that the school will remain closed on Monday, but pupils will be learning in a series of other locations.

READ MORE: School remains shut as gas work continues

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We previously informed St Gabriel’s Primary School parents that we were progressing with alternative plans in case the school building could not open on Monday due to ongoing works by SGN to investigate gas readings in and around the school campus.

"Regardless of when these works are completed, our teams will need time to reinstate services within the building. This includes the boiler and heating system, which has been switched off since Tuesday for essential safety reasons.

“SGN's engineering teams are continuing investigations regarding the continued gas readings which are being registered. Safety is everyone's number one priority.

"SGN is working as quickly and safely as possible, and will remain on site until all required repairs to its network are made and there are no further gas readings.

“To avoid further disruption and uncertainty for families over the weekend, we have put in place arrangements for children from P1-P7 to be accommodated in other locations on Monday. The school’s headteacher has contacted families to advise of these arrangements.

"Children will still be supported by their teacher and familiar staff, and will be surrounded by their classmates, albeit in a different space.

“P1/2, P3 and P4 will learn at the Pennypit Centre on Monday. P5 will learn at Preston Tower Primary School Upper Campus (Preston Road) on Monday. P6 and P7 will learn at Cockenzie Primary School – they will be transported by bus from Preston Tower Primary School. Further details have been shared with parents and carers.

“Unfortunately, our early years setting remains closed on Monday.

“All of our teams have been working tirelessly to put in place supports that will enable children to return to this in-person learning on Monday.

"While we would all prefer that this is within St Gabriel’s building, it is essential that SGN can continue its work, with our main priority being to ensure the safety and welfare of the entire St Gabriel’s school community.”