A NEW school is set to be built for more than 500 pupils forced out of their old buildings because of an asbestos scare.
Sutherland Primary Academy.
Sutherland Primary Academy, in Blurton, closed in October because of the ‘potential of a major asbestos fall’ from the ceilings.
Since then staff and pupils have been using the one-time St Peter’s Academy in Penkhull, while work is carried out on their former site.
Academy leaders have been working on a permanent solution for their new home.
Head of the academy, Garry Boote, has now invited parents and residents to a public consultation at 5.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Beaconsfield Drive site’s bungalow to discuss the plans.
He said: “It will be tricky to extend our stay on the Penkhull site beyond the summer.
“Work on demolishing the old building is now likely to begin before the construction of the new permanent build as, in all likelihood, our new school will be on the footprint of the existing one.
“This work will be completed by expert contractors under strict and clear health and safety regulations and no one will be put at risk.
“We do not currently have a clearly defined timescale for these works but hope that some will take place during academy holidays.”
He added: “Our new permanent Sutherland Primary Academy will be two-storey building for 585 children aged from three to 11.
“We remain on track for a handover of the new permanent building towards the end of the autumn term 2017. We are now beginning to review the detail of the permanent building design and accommodation with architects.”
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of children and staff in our schools. We are working with Sutherland Primary Academy to ensure new buildings are in place as soon as possible.”
Rob Flello, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: “Whilst it was very concerning to hear that Sutherland Primary were going to have to change site due to the asbestos problems, since that point I have been delighted with progress.
“Working with a wide range of people, including local councillors Joan Bell and Lloyd Brown, we have been able to get what I think is an excellent result.
“The school assures me it is doing all it can to minimise disruption.
“Out of a potential disaster the Blurton area gets a new school, and I will be continuing to keep a close eye on this as it develops further.”
The Sentinel revealed last month how the council will be spending up to £146,000 testing every school for asbestos following the closure of Sutherland Primary Academy.
Source: Stoke Sentinel
