CLADDING on three Inverclyde schools linked to material used on Grenfell Tower in London has been given the all-clear.

Council bosses say the aluminium composite material (ACM) found in Lomond View Academy in Greenock, St Columba’s High in Gourock and Kilmacolm Primary poses no risk.

Earlier this month the council announced that ACM had been discovered on the buildings.

The material was also used on the Grenfell high-rise block where at least 80 people tragically died following an inferno on June 14.

The deadly blaze led to urgent investigations into buildings the length and breadth of the UK.

Following a probe locally, the council say the type of cladding used on the three schools is safe and in accordance with building regulations.

In a letter issued to parents yesterday, Ruth Binks, head of education, said: “I can reassure you that the ACM cladding used on a portion of the three schools in Inverclyde is not the same product as that used in Grenfell Tower.

“I can also assure you that the cladding has been installed in line with Scottish building regulations.

“To give further reassurance, the school buildings involved are low rise, they have robust fire risk assessments, automatic fire detection and alarm systems, and automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers).

“All schools take pupil safety extremely seriously and regularly carry out fire evacuation procedures.”

The three schools have a combined roll of around 700 pupils.
Officials say checks on the cladding were ‘precautionary’ and that ACM is commonly used as a second layer against rain to prevent water ingress.

The type used on Grenfell is not permitted on high rise buildings but the version installed in the three local schools is allowed as they are deemed ‘low rise’ properties.

Ms Binks told parents: “Please be assured that Inverclyde Council continues to make pupil safety a top priority and has taken forward all necessary precautionary measures to identify any areas of cladding, to identify the type of material used, to ensure that the cladding has been fitted correctly and that all risk measures are in place.”

The council has invited any parents who still have concerns to contact education bosses.