Work has started to remove asbestos at Cwmcarn High School with pupils expected to return for the start of the new school year in September.
Chair of Governors Gary Thomas said: “Local people will notice activity on the Cwmcarn site as contractors start removing asbestos from within the building. This is fantastic news and clearly shows that progress is being made following our agreement to work with the council to get the school back up and running at the start of September.”
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, CCBC Cabinet Member for Education said, “We said we would act swiftly to resolve this issue once a decision was made and I am delighted that there are clear signs of progress.
“There is a lot to be done in a short space of time, but we are working closely with the school leadership and we are confident that works will be completed on time and on budget.”
Cwmcarn High School was closed on October 12 last year after a report by Santia Asbestos Management Ltd asked Caerphilly Council to consider whether school buildings should be demolished because of widespread airborne asbestos. Since then, the school’s pupils have relocated to the former Coleg Gwent campus in Ebbw Vale.
But a report published by the Health and Safety Executive laboratory (HSL) has said the original findings by Santia may have been overstated.
In April councillors agreed to spend £700,000 on asbestos removal and £300,000 on temporary classrooms.