Urgent Fire Safety and Roof Replacement Required at Birmingham School
Birmingham City Council has announced that immediate fire stopping works and a roof replacement are essential at Lindsworth School in Kings Norton to comply with current safety regulations. The council emphasized its statutory duty to maintain schools, ensuring children have a secure learning environment.
Fire Safety Concerns Identified
A recent fire risk assessment at the school, which supports children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, revealed significant issues. The fire doors were found to be very damaged and fail to meet modern fire rating standards. Additionally, holes in walls could allow smoke or fire to spread between compartments, posing serious risks.
Temporary remedial works have been implemented on the fire doors to keep the school operational while a full business case is developed. The council is seeking approval for these compartmentation works, with project costs estimated not to exceed around £2.49 million.
Roof and Structural Deterioration
Further safety concerns include the school's roofs, which require urgent replacement at an estimated cost of up to £2.5 million. Condition inspections identified that both flat and pitched roofs are in poor condition, with the flat roofs, constructed from wood-wool, significantly deteriorated.
Water ingress has affected ceilings in the Cadbury Block, necessitating the installation of temporary wire mesh to prevent ceiling panel failure. The toilets in this block also show signs of deterioration and need full refurbishment. Without intervention, leaks and roof failures could disrupt teaching and increase health and safety risks.
Council Action and Funding
Cabinet members will consider both projects at a meeting on Tuesday, April 28, with recommendations to approve costs to ensure a safe and dry learning space. The works would be funded from the School Condition Allocation, avoiding use of the general fund.
Government-appointed commissioners overseeing the council's financial recovery have advocated for regular condition surveys to support a medium-term improvement programme. This approach aims to minimize urgent works and ensure value for money through better-planned procurements, with council officers working to implement this over the next year.
