At least two Lancashire schools closed amid Concrete crisis

At least two Lancashire schools have announced they are temporarily closing, amid the ongoing concrete crisis in public buildings.

Fulwood Academy and Our Lady's Catholic High School - both in preston - have posted notices online confirming term time will start later than usual.

Over a hundred schools across England have been told to partially or fully close, amid fears they contain Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Raac is often found in roofing, is weaker than conventional concrete and is at risk of collapse, especially when it becomes wet and has inadequate steel beams to support it.

Schools across the country were forced to make last-minute arrangements on Friday as they were told their buildings may be unsafe.

But the problem could be far wider, with offices, court houses, hospitals, and factories at risk of "sudden and catastrophic collapse" if Raac is not removed, specialists said.

In a statement online Fulwood Academy said, "Unfortunately school will be closed on the 4th and 5th September."

Whilst a similar message on Our Lady's Catholic High reads: "School will be closed on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th September 2023. A letter has been sent to parents/carers."

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