Asbestos alert closes school
A Staffordshire primary school has been closed after it emerged children could have been exposed to asbestos fibres.
Pupils and staff at Glenthorne Primary School were put at risk after workmen disturbed the asbestos on February 13.
There is no date yet for the 178 pupils to return to school. The county council and Health and Safety Executive are investigating and have said exposure to asbestos fibres does create a limited risk to health. Letters were sent out to parents last Friday, a full week after the incident.
Local councillors are demanding to know why it has taken so long to alert parents and why the work was taking place just days before the school half-term.
Cheslyn Hay councillor David Heseltine said: "They could have sent letters out on Monday. There needs to be some form of inquiry to find out how this happened. Did they know asbestos was there? If so why were they working in the school when children were there when they could have had all last week? Why did it take so long to send out letters?"
A meeting for parents has been arranged for tomorrow night and a helpline set up.
It is believed workmen carrying out building alterations at the school, on Glenthorne Drive, disturbed Asbestos Insulation Board accidentally releasing fibres into the air.
John Taylor, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "We do appreciate this information will raise concerns with parents. The council is therefore making arrangements to support the school and inform parents. All parents will have received a letter on Friday."
The meeting tomorrow will be at Great Wyrley High School at 7pm.
Staffordshire County Council today refused to reveal whether it knew asbestos was in the location or why the work was being done before the half-term holiday.
Spokesman Richard Caddy said the questions would form part of the investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.
