Basildon and Thurrock schools impacted by RAAC, MP claims

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has said he has spoken to the relevant minister regarding the presence of RAAC at schools.

RAAC is a lightweight concrete, but is unlike traditional concrete, as the way it is made, means it is much weaker. It is widely used as a building material from the 1950s to the mid-1990s.

Before the summer, advice given to schools was to monitor the situation and act on the surveys the schools had completed.

However, government policy has since changed and all schools with confirmed RAAC are to vacate these spaces with immediate effect.

Mr Metcalfe states he is aware of the presence of RAAC in “a number of schools in my constituency”.

But at this stage, doesn’t have the details of “the extent of the problem or what schools are affected”.

He said: “This is a rapidly developing situation which has obviously caused a great deal of concern and uncertainty.

“I welcome the governments precautionary response to the issue and obviously agree that safety must be put first.

“Whilst I appreciate the timing of the announcement is not ideal, it is right that as further information has emerged that rapid action is taken.

“Having spoken to the relevant Minister I am aware of the presence of RAAC in a number of schools in my constituency, however at present I do not have details of the extent of problem or exactly which schools are affected.

“I am meeting the minister later today to get more details and ensure that all possible support is in place for students to continue to receive face to face education and for the schools affect to put in place appropriate mitigation. Whatever happens safety must come first.”