Council ‘unaware’ of RAAC concrete in local schools but surveys planned at ‘small number’

Sefton Council has told OTS News it is currently “unaware” of RAAC concrete in any of its local schools, but that emergency surveys were planned in “a very small number of buildings”.

Schools buildings that used RAAC concrete during construction have been ordered to close by Government ministers.

RAAC is a porous form of concrete commonly used in roofs, and sometimes in walls and floors. While it appears similar to regular concrete, RAAC is less dense and not as strong or long-lasting as traditional reinforced concrete. Its lightweight and insulating characteristics made it a popular choice in building projects.

OTS News that none of the schools that will require a survey are in Southport or Formby.

Southport Learning Trust, which includes Bedford Primary School, Birkdale High School, Greenbank High School, Kew Woods Primary School, Meols Cop High School and Stanley High School confirmed that none of its member schools were affected.

The Archdiocese of Liverpool, which oversees 203 educational facilities in Merseyside inlcuding Christ The King, Holy Family, St Patricks and Our Lady of Lourdes, had not responded to enquiries by the time of publication.

The Government confirmed that 156 schools in England are known to be affected, but these numbers are expected to rise as surveys as carried out. Schools minister Nick Gibb has offered assurances that the government will meet any costs for repairs and pupil relocation.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are aware of this national report and we will, as always, take any action that is necessary to ensure our school communities are kept safe.

“At this time there are no plans to temporarily close Sefton maintained school buildings in the Borough over this issue.

“Nevertheless we will continue to closely monitor this matter and should any action be deemed necessary, we will communicate this directly with parents and staff.

“As per the guidance by government and at the time of writing , we are not aware of this material being used in any of our maintained schools, however we will be carrying out surveys in a very small number of buildings to confirm and reaffirm that there are no traces of RAAC which may have been used.

“If any action is necessary then we will ensure parents, pupils and staff are informed immediately and suitable temporary accommodation is sought to allow for minimal disruption”