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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Debbie Hall

Council bosses stress 'safety comes first' as roof investigations continue

Council bosses have reassured people that “safety comes first” as substandard material is found in the roofs of schools and council buildings.

An update on properties that have roof planks constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) - also known as siporex - has been presened to councillors.

The material was found in houses in the condemned Deans South estate which were eventually knocked down.

Nine properties have been found to have RACC roof planks present.

Among the properties the substance has been found at is Knightsridge Primary School.

The school was closed in November with pupils decanted to other nearby schools. A contractor has been appointed and work is underway to assess what remedial work is required.

At St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, detailed inspections are ongoing across the full extent of the roof planks following the closure of the dining, kitchen and a CDT classroom due to signs of recent water ingress. Upon completion of the inspections, an options appraisal will be developed

Some deterioration has occurred in parts of the roof at Windyknowe Primary in the nursery toilet area. These areas remain closed. Work is underway to further carry out necessary repair works

At Riverside Primary School stabilisation works has been undertaken with further work required. A bid to the Scottish Government has been submitted to create a new primary school to replace Riverside Primary

At Fauldhouse Partnership Centre replacement roof works are currently being designed and an anticipated start date for works is early Spring

Stabilisation works undertaken in 2021 at Balbardie Primary School is underway, with the replacement roof due to commence in Summer 2023. Some areas of the school are closed but all pupils are accommodated within the school.

Community centres are also affected.

At the The Lanthorn Centre replacement roof works are under construction with completion due late 2023, at Whitburn Community Education Centre replacement roof works are also under construction with completion due in Spring 2023.

Routine inspections are being carried out at Stoneyburn Community Centre but there is no need for remedial works at this stage.

Donald Forrest, head of finance and property services said: “We can assure the council and parents that we fully comply with relevant guidance and we always prioritise the health and safety of building users at all times.”

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