Dalry Primary has been forced to close today due to major boiler issues - with nearby sheltered housing residents also feeling the chill with "reduced heating" levels as a result of the problem.

After pupils were sent home, North Ayrshire Council confirmed the school will remain shut tomorrow while the boiler issue is sorted out.

On one of the coldest days of the year, the school boiler problem also affected residents of the Watt Gardens sheltered housing complex, Burns Club Gardens and the nearby housing office.

It's the second local school to close due to heating issues this week, following Stevenston's Glencairn Primary being forced to shut on Monday.

In an online post today, local councillor Ronnie Stalker revealed: "We have a biomass boiler, supported with gas boilers, at Dalry Primary School.

"This system supplies space heating and hot water to the school and nursery building as well as to the sheltered housing complex - Watt Gardens, Burns Club Gardens, and the housing office on Sharon Street.

"Bessie Dunlop Court is also supplied with biomass energy, but from a separate boiler, with issues now reported to the Sustainability Team."

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Councillor Ronnie Stalker

He continued: "Unfortunately, there have been some issues with the heating system at Dalry Primary School which has resulted in reduced heat for the residents at the sheltered housing and the other building on the system.

"During the festive period, a small leak from one of the valves was detected, and the gas supply was isolated for safety.

"As a result, the gas boilers which support the biomass system have been switched off until remedial work is carried out. 

"Most of the year, the system can cope with the biomass alone, however in the recent colder weather the system, without the gas boiler support, has struggled to supply sufficient heat to the school and sheltered housing complex.

"We are also working with our biomass contractor, AMP Clean Energy to ensure the system is working as effectively as possible in the current conditions."

Councillor Stalker added: "Unfortunately, the combination of very low overnight temperatures and heating system issues, has resulted in a decision being taken to close Dalry PS today.

"Even with a considerable number of temporary heaters being provided, temperatures were still unacceptable this morning.

"I have been informed that the necessary repairs to the school heating system have been progressing well today. However, due to the low external temperatures, a further 24-hour period will be required to test the resilience of the system and ensure that occupied areas of the building reach the required temperatures."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "Repairs to resolve the heating issues affecting Dalry Primary have progressed well.

"To allow the system to be fully tested and temperatures to build up, the school will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, January 18.

"The headteacher will inform parents/carers about the remote learning arrangements that will be in place tomorrow."