SCHOOL LATEST: GCSE pupils back Friday, rest next week

Welshpool High School will remain closed to a majority of its pupils until early next week, it has just been confirmed.

The flood-damaged school faces a tricky clean-up operation to remove an asbestos ceiling from the kitchen and canteen but must wait for a sanction from the Health & Safety Executive before specialists can move in over the weekend.

It means that only sixth formers and staff will be in tomorrow (Thursday) while everything possible is being done to welcome back GCSE pupils on Friday.

“We are progressing but we must wait for the Health & Safety Executive to sanction the emergency work required on the areas with the flood-damaged asbestos roofing,” said Graham Lewis, Chair of the School Governors. “Priority will be given to those with exams so we will ask the GCSE pupils to come in on Friday with a packed lunch. The rest of the school will be back early next week hopefully.”

Yesterday, air samples from the contaminated areas were tested and returned negative showing that the asbestos damage was confined to the kitchen and canteen.

The clean-up cost for the damage caused by burst pipes and radiators over the Festive Period is expected to reach tens of thousands of pounds.