One school has been identified as having a problem with a Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Eastbourne, structural supports have been put in place as a precaution following government advice and lessons continue.
I would like to thank the head of Langney Primary School, his staff and the Swale Academies Trust that runs it for all they have done to ensure all pupils can remain at the school. I met with the head this week and I told him I would offer whatever support is needed. The school has been aware of the problem for some time and plans to remove RAAC were well advanced. It is a brilliant school and I had the honour of being a governor there.
This problem is potentially serious, and it was right the government has acted to ensure pupils are safe. But it is an isolated problem too. There are 22,500 schools in the country and 156 have been confirmed with RAAC so far.
The buildings affected are many decades old and so I see little point in making political points about who is to blame. Governments of every colour have had RAAC on their watch. This government is doing something about it.
I have written to the borough council to seek reassurance on the RAAC status of its buildings.
The consultation on proposed railway station ticket office closures at Polegate and Hampden Park and the partial closure of Eastbourne has ended and I have submitted my views.
I oppose these plans and my fears have increased since I have investigated and have spoken to groups and passengers. My letter to the consultation can be found on my facebook page and a story is on the Herald website too.
Parliament has returned for a busy week of legislation with votes taking place on the Economic Crime Bill that has now gone back to the Lords, The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the Energy Bill, which is about energy production, security and the regulation of the energy market.
This week also marks the first anniversary of the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth. My thoughts are with King Charles and his family. Life goes on but I know many people continue to miss her reassuring presence.
