Oldbury school stench sparks fears over health

Officers from Sandwell Council's environmental health team investigated Langley Primary School in Titford Road.

Parents and other family members had complained about the stench, fearing it may have been caused by rats. But a day-long investigation discovered the problem actually centred on the school's drainage system following heavy rain.

Maureen Smith, a grandmother of a pupil at the school, said she believed rats were to blame because the smell was so bad.

"The smell is everywhere in the school, it's in all the classrooms and even the main hall. It's really horrible, we are all very concerned about the children's health. They are having to breathe in the air every day," said Mrs Smith who lives in St Michael's Crescent, Oldbury.

But following a thorough inspection, environmental health officers assured the school that the smell posed no health risk to children or staff.

Headteacher Dr Tony James met with parents after the investigation to discuss the issues and said the school was working to remove the odour from the site.

He said: "We have investigated fully the concerns about reports of an odour at the school and taken advice from environmental health officers, a drain company and a pest control contractor.

"There is no question of there being a rodent infestation at the school. The odour is a result of the unusual amount of rain that has fallen in recent months.

"The school has a drain that avoids the school flooding, but with the water level rising so much the ground has become soaked. This is the cause of the smell.

"I have arranged that all the drains are cleaned out immediately, so any further water is removed as rapidly as possible.

"We are anxious to dispel any fears on this subject and I can promise parents that we always have the best interests of our pupils and staff as a priority at all times."