Invasion of spiders closes school

The infestation of “false widow” spiders at the Dean Academy in Lydney, Gloucestershire, has forced senior staff to close the school following advice from health and safety officers at Gloucestershire County Council and pest control experts drafted in from Chepstow.

The spiders were first discovered in the information computer technology block at the academy on Monday and the entire ICT block was closed on Monday to allow fumigation to take place.

But more spiders were then discovered elsewhere in the school, leading to the decision to shut the academy to allow further pest control to be carried out.

A letter has been sent out to all parents from vice principal Craig Burns, who said the decision 
had been taken in the best interests of the students’ health and safety.

Mr Burns, who stressed there had been no reports of anyone being bitten by spiders, said immediate advice was sought from pest control following the discovery of the spiders in the ICT block on Monday.

“The health and safety unit and pest control feel that we have dealt with the matter quickly and efficiently and taken appropriate early action,” he added.

“There have been no reports of anyone being bitten by the ‘false widow’ spiders at the academy but if you have any concerns please seek medical advice.

“Any pre-planned meetings, sports fixtures or extra-curricular activities will not take place. The academy will be open as normal on October 24.

“Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you but I’m sure you will understand that this is in the best interest of students’ health and safety.”

The false widow (Steatoda nobilis) is about the size of a 50p coin and is the most dangerous of the 12 species of biting spider known in Britain.