Asbestos scare at secondary school

Feb 14 2008 By Paul Thomson

FURIOUS parents are refusing to send their children to the school into which Strathaven Academy has been decanted following concern that the youngsters could come into contact with asbestos.

At least three children have been withdrawn from classes at the former Ballerup High School’s Crosshouse campus as a result of the scare.

Parents say they will not allow their children to return until the problem of asbestos in the building has been dealt with.

Asbestos concerns have been raised by parents since pupils moved there last August.

Len Northfield, whose daughter has been out of school for a week said: “It is appalling our children are being exposed to possible long-term health damage in this way and it is utterly unforgivable we, the parents, have not been informed.

“Why should I have to make a choice between the education of my daughter and her health and safety?”

Howard Kenneth, (40), has also removed his two children from the school.

He said: “My children and their friends have regularly told me tales of children and staff having to move either themselves or their belongings in classrooms during lessons, after water has dripped or poured on to them — even when it is dry outside.

“The parents and staff of Strathaven Academy are all trying to do their best for the children, but, I believe, South Lanarkshire Council, just does not care about our children. They are only interested in money, which is a shame given that they are now wasting over £2m on the decant.”

Supporting the parents in their call for more information from the council is the councillor for Avondale and Stonehouse, Graeme Campbell.

He said: “Asbestos contractors have been on site constantly testing the facility. Parents have repeatedly asked for an independent asbestos report, but not even the council can produce the report they say they have.”

“Parents are now taking their children out of school and who can blame them?

“The council’s lack of communication is causing reasonable people to take drastic actions.

South Lanarkshire Council insist, however, steps have already been taken to provide parents with the answers they seek.

A spokesman said: “In common with many school buildings built in the 1970s the campus occupied by Strathaven Academy is known to include materials containing asbestos. This has previously been confirmed through detailed risk assessments.

“As a precautionary measure on February 1, and over the following weekend, some water-damaged, non-asbestos ceiling tiles were removed and replaced by the council’s HSE licensed contractor.

“This was undertaken in full consultation with the council’s environmental consultant. They have confirmed asbestos-containing materials were neither damaged nor disturbed by weather or the works carried out in the school.

“Precautionary air testing carried out over the weekend of February 1-3 confirmed the affected areas as safe and an asbestos management plan is in place for the school.”