Deadly asbestos is to be removed from two Bishop’s Stortford schools and Leventhorpe in Sawbridgeworth.
Asbestos is to be removed from Birchwood High, Windhill 21 and Leventhorpe schools.
The work is being financed by the Government as part of its latest Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
The money was allocated after ministers agreed the highest condition CIF priorities this year are compliance and health and safety, “followed by projects which address the most significant building condition issues”.
The projects include replacement windows and asbestos removal at Leventhorpe in Cambridge Road and at Birchwood High School in Parsonage Lane.
Asbestos will also be removed from Windhill21 Primary School, where improvements will also be made to flat roofs, roof lights, fascias and insulation.
Asbestos was widely used in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 and still kills around 5,000 workers each year – more than the death toll on the roads.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, around 20 tradesman die each week as a result of past exposure.
It warns: “When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.”
As it announced the spending plan, the Department for Education said: “Ensuring that there is a good local school place for every child, and that all children are being taught in safe and fit-for-purpose school buildings which help unlock their full potential, is of highest importance to this Government.”
Herts and Essex High School in Warwick Road also made a successful bid for roofing repairs and classroom expansion. Northgate Primary in Cricketfield Lane will get cash for new windows.
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In all, nine schools in MP Mark Prisk’s Hertford and Stortford constituency were successful.
He said: “I am delighted the Government is awarding nine local schools new capital funding. This a real vote of confidence in their heads, governors and staff. All the hard work to put these bids in has paid off.”
Source: Hearts & Essex Observer
