Lambeth school children and residents put in harm’s way due to crumbling concrete, say Lib Dems

104 schools in England have been told to close buildings because they are at risk of collapse due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Although, the Government has refused to reveal which schools are affected by failing concrete.  

Corpus Christi Catholic School in Lambeth has already announced that it is relocating its 420 pupils due to RAAC located in part of the roof of their junior school site.  

In their letter, the Lib Dems have asked Lambeth Council whether they are aware of any more schools which are closing buildings ahead of the new term.  

However, they also warn that the problem is not only prevalent in schools. Estimates suggest that 5-10% of council-owned buildings built in the 1950s-1980s could be affected, including social housing.  

Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Lambeth Liberal Democrat Group, said:  

“The truth is that we should never have gotten to this point. The Government has known about this crumbling concrete for years, but time and again has denied local authorities the money needed to stop schools and social housing from collapsing completely. 

We cannot wait for another Grenfell-scale disaster to happen before acting. If buildings are possible death traps, we need to know where they are immediately. Lambeth residents and school children cannot live in fear. 

The Government has shirked responsibility; therefore, Lambeth Council must step up and lead the response. They must undertake an urgent review of all Council owned buildings built between the 1950s and 1980s before it is too late.” 

Photo: Educators.co.uk/Flickr