Black mould found in Northumberland school
Pressure is building to deliver on long-awaited plans for a new high school in Berwick after black mould was found in the current building’s toilet block. Speaking in Parliament, North Northumberland MP David Smith said the state of the current school was a “terrible failing” and urged Northumberland County Council to submit a business case for the school.
Meanwhile, Conservative council leader Coun Glen Sanderson has penned a letter to the Government calling for a £13 million contribution to the project from the Department for Education. The council say discussions around funding remain ongoing.
A £50 million project to rebuild the school and improve education across the Berwick partnership has been ongoing for some years. In October, the council said an outline business case would be presented to the council “in the near future” – but this is yet to happen.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Smith said: “Over the years it (Berwick Academy) has been good, but it now requires improvement. In terms of its physical condition, unfortunately the students’ toilets now have black mould, which is a terrible failing.
“We are still waiting on the plan to rebuild that school. In 2021 the county council had a plan to rebuild it, but we are still waiting on an outline business case.”
The council has welcomed “support” from Mr Smith following his discussions with the DfE on a contribution. A spokesman said the council’s support for the school was “unwavering”.
Coun Sanderson said: “Whilst the County Council is not responsible for maintenance of the existing Berwick Academy buildings, I am committed to supporting the Academy towards a sustainable future both educationally and financially.
“Although it’s challenging, we will continue to work on a solution. Our young people deserve outstanding learning environments, and we remain fully committed to making that a reality.”
The new build will be the culmination of a years-long project to reorganise schools in the area. Under the changes, the system will change from three to two tier, with Berwick, Tweedmouth and Glendale Middle Schools set to close.
First schools in the Berwick partnership will be converted to primary schools in an £8.2 million programme.