Asbestos fear at schools

Asbestos could be present in 14 Walsall schools after a shocking health and safety report identified potential problems.

The issue is with those schools built in a 35-year period after the Second World War. Primary, secondary and special schools are all affected by the revelations from the Health and Safety Executive.

Surveys and any clean-up costs – costing £2 million – will now be carried out at all of the affected schools.

They are Rushall College; Little Bloxwich C of E Primary; Daw End special school, Rushall; Christ Church JMI, Leamore; Butts Primary; Palfrey Infants; Delves Junior; St John's C of E Primary, Walsall Wood; Darlaston Science College; Willenhall Sports College; Old Hall special school, Bentley; Short Heath Primary, Willenhall; New Invention Primary, Willenhall and Pool Hayes Primary, Willenhall.

Asbestos is only harmful if disturbed, when the inhalation of fibres can cause serious illness, such as mesothelioma, if they become lodged in the lungs.

Kevin Kendall, Walsall Council's head of property services, said: "Walsall Council is carrying out works as directed by the Health & Safety Executive in relation to certain types of CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme) buildings."

CLASP was formed after the Second World War to deliver fast and efficient permanent buildings, such as schools, without relying on traditional building skills.

In total the latest health and safety work identified is expected to cost more than £2 million, with the bill to be split between the council and schools. A report outlining the asbestos problems will go before Walsall Council's cabinet next Wednesday.