Advanced Asbestos Solutions Ltd

Newshopper – 10 July, 2007

AN ASBESTOS scare at a school has led to 400 pupils being moved out.

Building contractors found asbestos had been used in the original construction of Downderry and Gordonbrock primary schools while preparing to do roofing work.

Lewisham Council says the asbestos is contained in loft space and access has been blocked but a full risk assessment is to be undertaken at both schools.

Downderry Primary School, Downderry Road, Downham, was closed last Thursday and Friday and is unlikely to open again before the end of term on July 19.

This means the 400 pupils at the school cannot return there.

However, it was not deemed necessary to close Gordonbrock Primary School, Gordonbrock Road, Brockley.

The council says Gordonbrock staff and parents will be informed if any concerns are revealed by the assessment.

It is accommodating the youngsters at locations within walking distance of the school for the last two weeks of term.

Nursery pupils have been moved to the Tintagel Centre in Beckenham Place Park, Old Bromley Road, Bromley, while the reception class is being housed in Downham Way Family Church Hall in The Green, Downham.

Those in Year 1 have been relocated to Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, Downham, and Pupils in Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 have been moved to Habadashers' Aske's Knights Academy, Launcelot Road, Downham.

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils will see out the term at Bonus Pastor School, Winlaton Road, Downham.

Sam Benton, whose two sons, Connor, six, and Alfie, four, attend Downderry, agrees with the action the council has taken but thinks it should have happened quicker.

The 24-year-old of Haddington Road, Bromley, said: "Closing the school is the right thing to do but it didn't happen soon enough.

"Instead of sending the kids home with letters on Wednesday, they should have phoned parents and closed the school straight away.

"Our kids have been breathing it in and we won't find out for years what the effects could be."

A council spokesman said: "The council is drawing up proposals for the removal of asbestos at both schools. However, this will require the approval of the Health and Safety Executive.

"Because of this, a start date for the asbestos removal and building works cannot be provided at this time.

"The welfare of pupils and staff is of the highest priority for the council and we will continue to work with both schools to ensure the continued health and safety of pupils and staff."