THE Observatory School in Bidston will be closed today because of damage caused by Storm Arwen.

Headteacher Gregory Chiswell told the Globe this evening that the high winds on Friday and Saturday had caused part of the roof to be detached, sent flying more than 75metres and crashing into play equipment in the schoolyard.

The school will be closed today so the damage can be repaired. An update on the situation is due at midday. Further gusty winds are expected on Tuesday.

Headteacher Gregory Chiswell said: "Between 9pm on Friday and 3am on Saturday, parts of the roof covering were torn off in winds that exceed predictions.

"A particularly large part of the roof was torn off and travelled over 75 meters, over a fence and smashed into (and broke) some the school's new play equipment - we are thankful it didn't blow onto the road -  a number of the trees on site are also damaged.  

"The school is particularly exposed to the north and north west with winds that accelerate off the sea up the slope of Bidston Hill.

"We will be working hard with the facilities team at the local authority to not only repair the damage, but check the site is safe.

"We are arranging a building survey and a check of all the trees on site.

"There are further gusty winds forecasted from Tuesday so we need to be sure the basic structures are safe and nothing else is going to come off.

"We will seek to provide a update to parents at lunch time tomorrow."