Opposition councillors at Birmingham Council have expressed 'concern' and 'disappointment' after plans for urgent works at a school were approved. The council recently stated that a risk assessment at Lindsworth School in Kings Norton found fire doors were 'very damaged' and did not meet current fire rating standards. Additionally, many walls have holes that could allow smoke or fire to spread between compartments.
School background and costs
Lindsworth School provides support for children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Project costs for replacing fire doors and carrying out compartmentation works are not expected to exceed £2.49 million. Other safety concerns include an urgent roof replacement, with costs estimated at up to £2.5 million. A council report noted that flat and pitched roofs across the school are in poor condition and require full replacement.
Political reactions
Conservative councillor Ewan Mackey said at a cabinet meeting: 'For seven years, I’ve seen small, minor repairs not carried out which end up with a huge bill. I note the report says no general fund used, but it’s still residents’ money. You can imagine I’m a little bit disappointed.' A council officer acknowledged the annual government allocation and said patch repairs are done until roofs reach the end of their serviceable life.
Conservative councillor Robert Alden described the need for urgent fire stopping works as 'very concerning'. A council officer clarified that current doors met regulations when installed but have been damaged by children, requiring weekly and monthly checks to maintain compliance. Temporary remedial works have been carried out to keep the school open.
Additional issues
A separate report highlighted water ingress in ceilings of the Cadbury Block, requiring temporary wire mesh to prevent panel failure. Toilets in that block also need full refurbishment. Temporary mitigation measures, including wire mesh, have been implemented. The council stated that these issues 'present a risk to the continued safe operation of the school' and that 'without intervention, leaks and roof failures will continue to disrupt teaching, damage the building fabric, and increase health and safety risks.'
Cabinet members approved costs to ensure children and young people have a suitable, safe, and dry learning environment. Both sets of works will be funded from the School Condition Allocation.
