Council bosses have promised action to keep children safe after two Tyneside schools were forced to close because of structural problems.
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School in West Denton and St Columba's in Wallsend have both shut their doors after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their ceiling panels. The substance is a weaker form of concrete used from the 1950s to the 1980s and its presence across the country has led to fears that many schools, hospitals, and other public buildings are in danger of collapse.
Both of the schools, which are part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, have been shut for the remainder of this week at least while investigations take place, though leaders have said that there is not an immediate health risk to pupils. At a Newcastle City Council meeting on Wednesday, councillors called for assurances that families would be given the proper support while children are forced to stay home and that proper checks are made on school buildings across the city.
