PARENTS in Carmarthenshire can be assured that there are no issues with any of the county’s schools following the closure of more than 100 schools in England due to RAAC concrete being present.

More than 100 schools in England were told to either fully close, partially close or to introduce safety measures right at the start of the new school year after concerns over weak concrete.

It also recently came to light that two schools in Wales – both in Anglesey – were not going to be reopening for pupils due to the presence of RAAC. It has also been found in parts of Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, with patients having to be moved from some wards, and in part of Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

RAAC has been used as a building material from the 1950s up to the mid-1990s, and according to the UK Government the advice to shut some classrooms in England was given after a concrete beam collapsed over the summer.

Infrastructure is a devolved power, and the Welsh Government says it will need to assess the extent of the problem in the country.

Carmarthenshire County Council said it has carried out initial inquiries on all the schools in the borough, which has found that there are no ‘immediate issues’ within schools in Carmarthenshire.

Despite this initial positive response, the council has stated it will not be leaving the situation there, and will be carrying out additional, extensive surveys to make sure that the initial results were correct.

Cllr Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education and Welsh language, said: “On behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, I would like to address the recent concerns surrounding the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools across England.

“As we share a profound commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students, educators and staff, we are writing to all Carmarthenshire schools to provide an update on our proactive measures in this regard.

“Carmarthenshire County Council has a strong partnership with the Welsh Government, which has introduced a comprehensive survey covering schools across the area. The council has also carried out and finalised initial desktop inquiries, and I am happy to report that these preliminary assessments have not identified any immediate issues within Carmarthenshire Schools.

“Our dedication to ensuring a safe and secure educational environment remains unwavering. Consequently, we are fully committed to the timely commencement of the forthcoming academic year in all our schools. However, our commitment to safety goes hand in hand with ongoing vigilance.”

“Apart from the initial inquiries, Carmarthenshire County Council intends to validate the preliminary results through additional extensive surveying efforts. Although we do not anticipate discovering any signs of RAAC, if its presence is detected in any of our schools during these follow-up assessments, rest assures that we will promptly and decisively address the situation. Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, educators, and staff members.

“Carmarthenshire County Council will continue to work diligently in conjunction with the Welsh Government to monitor the situation closely, prioritise safety, and implement appropriate measures in response to any concerns that may arise.”