Northumberland Students Relocated as Mowbray Primary School Declared Unsafe

Residents of Bedlington are being called upon to extend a warm welcome to pupils from Mowbray Primary School, who are set to relocate to Foundry House after safety concerns rendered their century-old school building unsafe. The decision follows a report by structural engineers, revealing widespread cracks and wall movement in the Mowbray facility, leading to its closure post-Christmas holidays.

The engineers highlighted that these structural issues have escalated “over recent weeks and days,” prompting urgent action to ensure the safety of the children. Mowbray Primary School, which has served the community since the 1920s, will see its students housed temporarily at Foundry House in Bedlington as refurbishment work begins. This process is expected to take several weeks.

Trevor Austin, a councillor representing the Bedlington East ward, acknowledged the likelihood of disruption during this transition, but emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the students. “This situation affects more than just them; it will also impact us, particularly those who use or visit the Family Hub,” he stated.

Austin assured residents that the initial phase of the project will involve construction workers and associated trades re-purposing Foundry House into a temporary primary school. Despite the anticipated increase in traffic and some inconvenience, he expressed confidence in the community’s ability to support the incoming pupils. “While there will be some disruption and inconvenience for us, it will be far greater for the pupils, parents, and staff of Mowbray Primary School,” Austin explained. “I am confident we will be able to offer them a warm welcome when they arrive in their ‘new home.’”

The decision to relocate the students comes as part of an immediate response to ensure that educational services continue without interruption. The structural issues at Mowbray were confirmed following a series of surveys earlier this year, which indicated that the building did not contain any Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material that has caused widespread school closures across the country.

As preparations for the temporary relocation begin, the local community is urged to rally together and assist in making the transition as smooth as possible for the students and their families. The efforts to repurpose Foundry House reflect a commitment to maintaining educational standards while addressing safety concerns in the area.