DOZENS of Somerset schools are delaying opening – or closed completely – as Storm Chandra continues to batter the county.

Heavy rain is causing problems on county roads, with the M5, A303 and A358 among those affected.

Holyrood Academy, in Chard, has urged pupils not to attend until 11am, with the school set to “reassess staff numbers at 10am”, with staff saying they will keep parents informed.

Hinton St George CofE School is closed completely due to “severe flooding and landslides that are affecting travel routes resulting in staff shortages and unsafe conditions”, a spokesperson said.

Minehead First School too, is shut, “due to heavy rain and unsafe conditions”.

As well as staff struggling to make it in, a spokesperson added: “In addition, a number of bus companies are not running their services today, including the 28 First Bus service.

“We apologise for the disruption. The safety of our children, families and staff is paramount.”

Herne View CofE Primary School, in Ilminster, is also closed “due to flooding, closing main access roads into and out of Ilminster”.

West Chinnock CofE Primary School, Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School, Minehead Middle School, Danesfield CofE School, Norton-sub-Hamdon CofE Primary School, Bishops Lydeard Church School, are also among those closed.

A full list of Somerset schools closed due to bad weather today (January 27) – fully closed unless otherwise stated:

• Chilthorne Domer Church School – Beech Class is closed
• St Bartholomew’s CofE Primary School
• Avishayes Primary School and Early Years Centre – reviewing situation at 10.30am
• Beech Grove Primary School – opening at 10am
• St Mary and St Peters Church School
• Curry Rivel CofE VC Primary School
• Shepton Beauchamp Church School
• North Newton Community Primary School
• Bishop Fox’s School – closed until 11am
• Cotford St Luke Primary School – opening at 10.30am
• Old Cleeve CofE School – opening at 10am
• West Buckland Primary School – opening at 10am
• King Ina Church of England Academy
• Lydeard St Lawrence Primary School
• Hambridge Community Primary School
• High Ham CofE Primary School
• East Coker Community Primary School – staggered start
• Combe St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School – opening at 10.30am
• Creech St Michael CofE Primary School
• Holyrood Academy – reassessing at 10am
• Hinton St George CofE School
• Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School – closed until 9.30am
• Minehead First School
• Herne View CofE Primary School
• West Chinnock CofE Primary School
• Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School
• Minehead Middle School
• Danesfield C of E School
• Norton-sub-Hamdon CofE Primary School
• Bishops Lydeard Church School

READ MORE: Heavy rain due to Storm Chandra causing problems on Somerset roads, including M5 and A303