| In February 1985, Great Billing Lower school was subject to an arson attack by local teenagers during the half-term break.
The school was closed for a couple of weeks before the children and staff were found temporary accommodation at an annex at Far Cotton Middle School. The 140 children had to be bussed daily to the school in London Road but soon settled in. 3 teenagers were charged with the arson attack and admitted trespassing and breaking into the school with the intention of stealing. According to the newspaper article, the damage was estimated to be around £120,000. It is not clear from these articles as to when the school re-opened but most likely not until September 1985.
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 Newspaper article detailing the “new home” for children after fire at Billing school 14.02.85  Newspaper article explaining 2 youths been charged with arson of the Billing School 22.02.85  Newspaper article detailing the arson attack and outcome of magistrate court hearing  Chronicle & Echo article 13.03.85 - back to lessons for children at Great Billing Lower School The article gives details of children being placed in Far Cotton Middle School whilst rebuilding of Billing school after damage by fire. |
Written by Ruth Palmer and Jenny Rose