Move to allay fears of asbestos danger

Feb 28 2008 By Sandra Walls

FEARS of asbestos posing a danger to pupils have been allayed — after three local councillors visited Strathaven Academy’s Crosshouse campus last Friday to meet school and council representatives.

Wet weather caused damage in the building housing the geography department and canteens.

Councillors Graeme Campbell, Lynn Filshie and Bill Holman met with council officials and school representatives at the Crosshouse campus.

Afterwards, Councillor Campbell said he was delighted the Crosshouse campus had passed all 133 air tests taken to confirm there was no danger from asbestos following the damage.

He added: “I believe there is probably no reason for parents to keep pupils out of school at present.

“Reports are available in the school for parents to read.”

Independent Councillor Lynn Filshie, said: “I requested a meeting on Monday with Archie Strang, chief executive of the council, and Larry Ford, director of education, to discuss the roof and catering issues and to determine when we will know how this matter is going to be resolved.

“We are now 27 days into the situation. I am also unhappy with temporary catering facilities.”

South Lanarkshire Council were trying a new solution in an attempt to repair the 200-square metres of damaged roof section which had closed this particular part of the school.

Councillor Campbell added: “No-one knows if this solution will work or not and, therefore, we don’t know when the canteens and geography classrooms will re-open.

“The emergency catering facilities will continue for at least another four weeks until a more adequate temporary solution is found.”

Councillor Campbell said it was clear the disruption would continue in the short, and maybe even the longer, term.

Councillor Filshie added: “My concern has always been for Strathaven Academy pupils and the continuous disruption.

“I would like assurances the Crosshouse Campus will last for the next 18 months and the new school will be ready on schedule in August 2009.”

A report was sent out to parents by head teacher Elspeth Banks, assuring parents the quality of their children’s education has not been disrupted.

The report said: “Water ingress has resulted in challenges for us in some areas of the school which have been closed pending repairs.”

Mrs Banks added: “I would like to reassure families that, while we sometimes require to displace classes to alternative classrooms, this is not an unusual occurrence and our high quality education continues.

“Since Friday, we have made alternative arrangements for both catering and the teaching of geography.

“These arrangements will remain in place until damage is fully assessed and work undertaken.”

A further meeting between councillors and South Lanarkshire Council is scheduled to take place this Friday.