Express & Star

Wolverhampton school reopens after asbestos discovery but loses entire contents of hall

A school in Wolverhampton which was forced to close after asbestos was discovered has lost the entire contents of its hall.

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The entrance to Uplands Junior School in Wolverhampton. Photo: Google

Last week, Uplands Junior School in Finchfield said the council had made the discovery as works were being carried out and immediately closed the building.

The school reopened on Monday but has revealed that everything which was in the school hall had been lost due to the issues.

The contents included a piano, stage lights, sound system, PE equipment, CD player, outdoor boombox, display boards, projector, curtains and books.

The value of the items has not been disclosed.

The school, on Finchfield Road West, said it was working with Wolverhampton Council to get this situation resolved as fast as possible.

In a statement on Facebook, the school said: "Due to the issue we had with asbestos, we have lost the entire contents of our school hall-piano, stage lights, sound system, PE equipment, Pe mats, CD player, outdoor boombox, all display boards, projector, curtains plus many many books and resources that were being stored in there whilst carpets were being laid.

"I will do all that I can to work with the council to get this situation resolved as fast as possible.

"Please be assured that your children are not missing out on any aspect of their learning.

"We have modified, adapted and swopped plans around to ensure pupils still get a full offer."

Last week, Councillor Wendy Dalton, who represents the Merry Hill ward, said the school had quickly managed to put an alternate educational plan into action.

She said: "I find it disappointing that a school in my ward namely Uplands School has had to remain closed this week due the discovery of asbestos on the site.

"It is a credit to the school to how quickly they have managed to put an alternate educational plan into action but sincerely hope that the school will re-opened as planned on Monday."

The school had apologised for any inconvenience and said it was "totally out of our control".