A VERMIN infestation has forced pupils to move out of a Wirral primary school.

Three classrooms have been closed at St Joseph's Catholic Primary in Wallasey after staff informed the council of the problem.

Pest controllers were called to the school in Wheatland Lane following an assessment by council officers.

Forty foundation year pupils who use the affected classrooms have been moved to nearby Brentwood Early Years Centre until the situation s resolved.

A further 20 pupils have been accommodated elsewhere in St Joseph's.

Wirral Council has said every effort has being made by the headteacher and staff to reduce disruption for the children.

It is thought the pupils will be able to return to their classrooms next week.

Affected classrooms have been "deep cleaned", with treatment.

The school has written to parents, informing them of the problem.

One, who asked not to be named, told the Globe: "My friend has kept her children out of the school, because she doesn't feel it's right to send them in with rats running around the place."

A council spokesman said: "It has been identified that the foundation classes at St Joseph's Primary School in Wallasey are experiencing problems with vermin.

"As a precautionary measure, some pupils have been relocated to a local Early Years Centre.

"The school is being supported by the council's pest control services and the health, safety and resilience team to help them to manage the situation.

"The headteacher and staff at the school are making every effort to reduce disruption to pupils and parents and carers."

Headteacher Kathryn Vernon said: "We are working closely with Wirral Council after evidence of rodents was seen on school premises.

"We are unsure whether there is still a problem as no vermin have been seen since we reported the issue.

“Wirral Council Pest Control have up to this moment found no evidence of rats.

"However mouse droppings have been identified, so it is important that we investigate properly and act on any advice given. The situation is being kept under review.

"Our key priority is the well- being and education of our children so we have temporarily relocated some classes to make sure they can continue their lessons, accompanied by their usual teachers.”