THE COUNTY COUNCIL is considering moving pupils from Ysgol Dewi Sant to other schools in Pembrokeshire after what has been described to councillors as ‘a health and safety issue’ was identified.

The issue, the Herald can confirm, is the presence of asbestos in existing classrooms.

The Council has acted promptly to form a contingency plan to deal with the need to close part of Ysgol Dewi Sant and one of the measures under consideration is decanting students away from the school.

Asbestos, which was used as a cheap fire retardant in the past, is stable in the form usually used in construction.

There is no suggestion either students or teachers at YDS are at risk at the present time. However, when asbestos is broken up, as it would be during renovation work, the particles can be inhaled and cause lethal lung and respiratory diseases in later life.

As the school building will be substantially ‘knocked around’ during planned changes under the Council’s ambitious 21st Century Schools scheme, the Council is considering its options to ensure students and staff are safe during the works.

A spokesperson for the Council told us: ‘Most schools of a similar type and age as Ysgol Dewi Sant tend to have asbestos. This is rigorously monitored, and schools are fully aware of the location and type. Governing bodies hold a school health and safety policy, which specifically covers the management of asbestos.”

The presence of asbestos is not the only consideration for the Council, however. The other matters to be considered are the implications of noise and disruption to pupils during the work programme and lack of sufficient play areas.

The Council told us: ‘We are in very early stages of design with regard to the new 3-16 school in St Davids and Solva.

‘The County Council fully appraises all risks during design stage and refurbishment works in accordance with relevant health and safety guidelines. It will implement safety measures to mitigate against these risks prior to commencement of any project, and in relation to any re-location issues if and when they arise’.

At a meeting of Ysgol Dewi Sant’s governors on Tuesday night (Mar 21), Cabinet member for Education and St Davids County Councillor delivered a prepared statement regarding the County Council’s plans.

Cllr Lloyd told his fellow governors: “As part of its 21st Century Schools Programme, the Council is in the process of developing a scheme which would result in a part redevelopment of the Ysgol Dewi Sant site.  A preferred scheme has been identified which would result in the demolition of an existing school block to be replaced by new accommodation;  this would result in the rationalisation of capacity identified as part of the original case for change for St David’s, i.e. the removal of surplus places.

“However, in order to carry out the above there is a need to consider how to operate the school during the demolition and construction phases.  As you are aware the school occupies a constrained site which offers little flexibility; consequently, the Council is considering various pupil decanting options, including a temporary re-location to another school site.

“In considering such options, the Council is mindful of the need to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of pupils and staff alike.

“Currently, the Council is discussing the possibility of utilising part of the Tasker Milward school site in Haverfordwest for this purpose – some preliminary discussions are taking place with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Trust and the Headteacher.  A number of practical issues have been identified and these will need to be resolved before a decision is made. “