THE leader of Inverclyde Council has moved to reassure parents that RAAC concrete affected St Michael's Primary school is 'safe'.

But Councillor Stephen McCabe promised that action would be taken immediately to remove any dangerous material in the future - if needed.

Greenock Telegraph: St Michael's Primary

It has emerged that structural engineers drafted in to carry out out inspections found that the reinforced material (RAAC) which can pose a risk of collapse and has forced school closures in England, was present in the Port Glasgow school.

St Michael's was the only school in Inverclyde to be identified as having the suspect building material but was deemed to be in good condition and considered not to be a risk.

However, Councillor McCabe said that it would be a matter that would be kept under review as the local authority makes additional checks across the entire school estate.

Greenock Telegraph:
His comments comes as Municipal Buildings chiefs await further direction from the Scottish Government.

Councillor McCabe said: "We have been reassured that it is safe from the experts and it is in good condition.

"But there will be checks and if at some point in the future the concrete has to be removed then that action will be taken."

In the summer this year the Scottish Government ordered re-inspections and more extensive survey work to be carried out because of new advice on the state of RAAC.

Structural engineers were drafted in by the council  to carry out the work and it was subsequently found to be present in St Michael's.

Greenock Telegraph:

Councillor McCabe said: "St Michael's Primary was refurbished and it is in good condition. I think parents have been reassured by the action the council has taken."

When the situation came to light last week a letter was sent home to parents to reassure them.

It said: "The professional advice from external structural engineers was, and remains, that the school is in good condition and was safe to reopen after the summer break and we were satisfied with that advice.

"In the meantime, additional checks are continuing right across our schools estate and we are following the latest advice.

"We appreciate the concern that this will cause parents and we want to reassure you that the safety of our staff and pupils is always our number one priority.

"We are continuing to follow advice and await further communication from the Scottish Government. 

"We will keep you informed at all stages of the process and the specific circumstances affecting St Michael’s."

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The school underwent a major £2.6 million pound refurbishment 18 years ago as part of the council's school estate programme.

At the time there was a renewal of utility services, redecoration of all classrooms, renewal of windows, re-rendering, a lift installation, new stairwell, as well as new furniture, car parking provision and improvements to the school grounds.

The building originally opened 65 years ago.

The letter sent to parents at St Michael's added: "You will be aware through the national press about schools in England being closed yesterday due to collapse risk concrete being found in their buildings.  

"This concrete is called Reinforced Autoclave Aeriated Concrete (RAAC).  

"Following this inspection and extensive survey work undertaken during the summer holidays, Inverclyde Council have one school currently identified with this type of construction."