TWO Thurrock schools are in swine flu alert but will remain open.

A recorded message for parents has been left on the answer phone of Gable Hall School in Southend Road, Corringham, outlining the course of action the school is taking.

Meanwhile at Chafford Hundred Campus in Mayflower Road its headteacher Chris Tomlinson has defended his decision to keep the school open despite parents calling for its temporary closure.

Headteacher at the Chafford Hundred Campus, Chris Tomlinson told the Gazette the “risk is minimal so the school obviously stays open”.

Mr Tomlinson said: “A girl was with someone over the weekend who had a confirmed case of swine flu.

She later felt unwell but her case has not been confirmed and she was advised to stay at home.

“She hasn’t been in school since the weekend but I sent letters out to parents informing them of what has happened.

“The risk is minimal so the school obviously stays open.

“We are fully compliant with all the Government’s medical requirements asked of us.”

The letters were issued to parents earlier this week and some are angry the school is remaining open.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: “I think people should know about this and the school should be closed.”

Gable Hall have released a statement saying: “The school is following Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) guidelines with regards with the current outbreak of influenza and is in touch with the local authority and the local health protection unit who offer advice on anti-virals and whether the school should close.

“The current advice is that the school should stay open and Mr King is in daily contact with the daily authorities.

“Parents will be advised of any change in policy.”

See the full story in tomorrow's Echo.