Parents have been left worried after a small amount of asbestos was discovered at Broadlea Primary School in Lake yesterday morning (Monday), however reassurances have been issued about the situation, with the risk of contamination being ‘extremely low at all times’.
Parents and guardians were requested to collect their children ‘as soon as possible’ shortly before midday with a vague explanation of ‘due to work near the kitchen area’, which left many confused as to what was going on.
Rumours of something more sinister than a gas or water leak began to circulate, with fears exacerbated after Emscar asbestos removal vans were spotted parked outside the school last night.
Parents need not worry though – it has now been confirmed that asbestos has indeed been found at the school during work to fix a water leak, however the risk of contamination ‘was extremely low at all times’.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council, the Local Education Authority, has told Island Echo:
“During work to detect a water leak and reinstate hot water and heating in the kitchen area, a small amount of asbestos was discovered when removing part of the floor. This is very common in the fabric of older buildings.
“Although the risk of contamination was extremely low at all times, the area was closed as a precaution and the school management team contacted the council for advice.
“Because the school was therefore unable to provide meals, either on site or using external caterers, the school closed at midday yesterday (Monday) as a precaution and parents were contacted in advance.
Article continues below this advertisement “Work is already underway to remove the small amount of asbestos that was discovered and it is expected this will be completed by Wednesday (11 November). A thorough clean of the affected area will then be undertaken.
“The school opened as normal today (Tuesday 10 November). Children who usually receive school dinners will instead be provided with a packed lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
