School stays shut as asbestos found
YOUNGSTERS at a Doncaster school will see their summer holidays extended into next week because of asbestos problems.
The potentially deadly substance was found under the floorboards at Edlington Victoria Primary School as heating engineers carried out work to improve the heading system.
It means the school will be closed on Monday and could remain shut for up to two weeks, according the Doncaster Council education bosses.
Several events have already had to be called off during the summer holidays which had been planned for the building, but it had been expected work to remove the fibres would have been completed by the start of term.
Doncaster Council says the school will be shut while contractors continue with a programme of work which has suffered delays.
A spokesman for the education authority said the school's headteacher Janice Middleton was currently exploring other ways of delivering education for the pupils. Possibilities may include using a community room or rooms at other neighbouring schools in the town.
The council is also looking at a possible phased return.
The authority says it is aware that any closure of the school will effect parents' childcare arrangements.
Headteacher Mrs Middleton, said: "Following the discovery of asbestos in heating ducts below ground in the school during the summer holidays there is still some essential safety work to be carried out before pupils and staff can access the building.
"The health and safety of our children and staff is paramount and we are working closely with the contractors in order for children to return to school as quickly as possible."
A series of sports fun days had been planned at the school during the summer holidays but were ditched because of the asbestos discovery.
Doncaster Council has stressed staff and pupils have not been put at risk at any point.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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