A farewell tour of Stowmarket High School for former pupils has been cancelled because of the coronavirus.

East Anglian Daily Times: Stowmarket High School headteacher Dave Lee-Allan. Picture: GREGG BROWNStowmarket High School headteacher Dave Lee-Allan. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The celebration on Saturday (March 21) ahead of the current site’s scheduled demolition next month as work nears completion on a new school which is due to open at Easter.

However in a letter to parents and carers headteacher Dave Lee-Allen announced that because of the public health crisis the event would now have to be cancelled.

He said: “It is with huge regret that due to the latest Government advice regarding the coronavirus pandemic that I am forced to cancel this historic event.

“I have taken into consideration that we were expecting at least 300 people, with a number who would fall into the Government defined ‘most vulnerable’ category.

“In this once in a lifetime defining moment, public health has to override sentimentality. I did not want to do this but this is the only sensible course of action to take.”

Mr Lee-Allen said it was not yet known whether the demolition, scheduled to stat on April 17, would take place.

“If it is delayed, and if there is a chance I can reschedule the event, I will make every effort to, however it looks highly unlikely that this will happen.”

Mr Lee-Allen said he hoped that an event could be held at some point to mark the passing of the old school.