Asbestos In Roof Delays Start Of School Term

Pupils at a York primary school have had a longer summer break than planned after asbestos was found in the roof of their buildings.

Around 100 lower school pupils at Poppleton Ousebank School face weeks of being taught in temporary classrooms in the staff car park after starting term on September 6, a week later than planned.

Parents were informed of the delay in a letter from head teacher Estelle O'Hara, which read: "This is not the ideal way to start the year but the safety of the children is paramount. I realise that news of the presence of asbestos in school is worrying but all steps are being taken to eliminate any further risks."

The problem was found during construction work over the summer months, a year on from a similar situation last September when traces of the potentially hazardous dust were found during building on roof.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "It has now been agreed that the opportunity should be taken to remove all of the asbestos insulation boards from this site before work to re-roof the school can be completed."

Ian Bailey at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "I am pleased that action has been taken by the Council. However, we have a nationwide legacy of asbestos use in all areas of our communities and it is vital for our children that authorities ensure the safety of their buildings by the removal of this deadly material. We are, in this region, only too aware of the dangers of asbestos and the misery that exposure to asbestos dust causes to individuals and their families."

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.