Further to the shocking announcement about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and the closure of schools across the country next week:

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“Abbey Lane Primary School was identified as containing RAAC some time ago and has been working with the Council to install mitigations and a new roof for some time. Work has been taking place since July to replace the roof and it is due to be completed in December.

“The works are being undertaken above the kitchen and whilst this is taking place a temporary kitchen has been installed to ensure that hot meals can still be prepared and served to students.

“This means that Abbey Lane Primary School will reopen safely as planned on Tuesday next week.

“None of this is to say that the government has acted appropriately or responsibly in this ongoing scandal.  RAAC was identified as an issue back in 2018 and there remain schools around the country which the government do not know if they contain this material and are therefore a risk to children.

“Nor has the government funded the works to protect children- the Council has funded the cosy of a new roof, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“It is appalling that the government has allowed schools across the country to fall into such dilapidation and are now expecting Councils and schools to foot the bill. Just days before children return to school after the summer break, it is totally unacceptable that children, schools and parents and carers have been put in this position.”