Dumfries and Galloway Council has sent letters to parents of Dumfries High School pupils after serious structural flaws were found in the fabric of the building.

Work to improve the disability access at the school uncovered problems with the building, which led to a detailed investigation by the Council’s Design Services as well as independent private firm.

The school has closed several classrooms; temporarily relocating them to the school playing fields, cordoned off stairwells, and removed several large areas of sandstone. Concerns where first raised after pieces of sandstone reportedly fell into the children’s playground.

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The findings even prompted local labour MP, Russell Brown, to identify the school as “effectively falling down.”

Education Chair person, Sandra McDowall, said: “The safety of the children and staff is our only concern in this matter and I have received full assurances on that point. I have asked that parents, carers and staff be kept fully informed. They will receive a letter giving further details before the committee meeting."

A list of recommendations have been put forward by the council, including monitoring of the classroom block, carrying out short term remedial work, and formulating a contingency plan for classroom relocation. However, these recommendations will not even be considered until the Education and Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for October 23.

Philip Jones, Chief Executive for the school, added: "A detailed report outlining the conclusions of the structural engineers report and a health and safety audit is now being prepared for the October Committee. It will include a range of immediate actions to ensure safety and put contingency plans in place if the situation changes."

(DW/SP)