A SICKNESS bug has swept through a borough school forcing it to close.
Nearly 70 pupils and half of Birchensale Middle School’s staff were struck down by the illness causing it to partially close today (Thursday).
A number of staff remained at the Bridley Moor Road site to care for a small number of children who were unable to be sent home at short notice.
A decision has been made by the school and Worcestershire County Council to keep it closed until Monday (October 20) while a deep clean is carried out to reduce the risk of infection spreading.
A spokeswoman for the school said: “The health and safety of our staff and pupils is one of the school’s highest priorities and we are working with the county council to keep parents informed about how to help stop infections spreading and about when the school will re-open as normal.”