Blackpool reports on asbestos in schools

Published on Fri 25 Apr 2008

The Councils of both Blackpool and Lancashire have reported that the majority of schools in the region contain asbestos, reports the Blackpool Gazette.

In an ongoing audit of the region's schools 35 out of 38 schools in Blackpool, 28 out of the 29 schools in Fylde and 51 out of the 59 schools in Wyre were found to contain the material.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has not been reassured by the Councils' assurances that all the asbestos is being managed in line with health and safety guidelines.

General secretary of the ATL Dr Mary Bousted said:

"We are deeply concerned about the continuing risk to teachers, support staff and pupils from asbestos in schools.

"There is still too little information about asbestos. Many teachers and pupils will be unaware, and because asbestos-related illnesses take between 15 to 60 years to develop, it is difficult to know how many will become ill or die as a result of exposure."

"The health of thousands of young people, and those working in education, is far too precious to allow this to be swept under the carpet any longer."

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