Legionella school in new asbestos scare

3:28pm Wednesday 2nd May 2007

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A school which was closed because of a legionella scare is facing a fresh setback after asbestos was discovered underneath a water tank.

Selsdon High School is now scheduled to reopen on May 8 once all traces of the potentially carcinogenic substance have been eradicated.

“I would like to assure you that we are doing everything within our power to enable the school to re-open. I shall write to you again next week about SATs arrangements and to keep you up-to-date.”

Headteacher Janet Packer

The school, in Farnborough Avenue, was closed on April 5 after traces of the legionella bacteria were found at the nearby Monks Hill Sports Centre, which gets its water supply from a boiler house at the adjoining school.

Monks Hill Sports Centre is also due to open on Tuesday, May 8.

Essential maintenance work to the school's water and heating system has taken place. It is believed the asbestos was discovered at the end of last week, embedded in concrete underneath one of the tanks.

Parents and pupils have been informed of the delay, although there was no mention of the new discovery in a letter sent to homes.

Headteacher Janet Packer said in the letter: "We are planning to open the school on the May 8 subject to remedial works being completed. Unfortunately, we have had major leaks which have had to be repaired. This has affected the progress of work being carried out by specialist contractors.

"There are contingency plans in place for students doing exams. Educational visits for Years seven and eight have been arranged for next week.

"I would like to assure you that we are doing everything within our power to enable the school to re-open. I shall write to you again next week about SATs arrangements and to keep you up-to-date."

Arrangements have been made for all students sitting SATs and Year 11 final exams to enable to them to continue with vital preparation work while the school is closed.

Although the legionella bacteria can be potentially dangerous, Croydon Council said the levels found were very low and should not be of risk to users of the sports centre.

A temporary tank is to be replaced by a steel water tank from Scotland. Information about all activities taking place at the school will be posted on its website selsdonhighschool.org.uk.