£10 million needed to tackle ‘cracking’ concrete

The £6.7 million programme for Knightsridge Primary

will involve a complete replacement of the  Siporex panels

(Image: Stuart Vance)

Schools in Livingston, Bathgate and Stoneyburn will see structural work to remove Siporex panels and repair concrete lintels

West Lothian Council is investing £10 million to fix structural issues caused by Siporex at three West Lothian schools.

Council Executive gave their support to proposals in order to address construction issues at Knightsridge Primary in Livingston, Windyknowe Primary in Bathgate and Our Lady’s Primary in Stoneyburn.

The £6.7 million programme for Knightsridge Primary will involve a complete replacement of the Siporex panels, also known as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels.

Pupils were relocated to either Deans Primary School or Deans Community High in November 2022 following a structural report.

Windyknowe Primary has a £2 million programme to remove RAAC panels, which are only found in the nursery and a specific part of the first floor of the school.

Remedial work, including replacing concrete lintels that have deteriorated, means that a £1.3 million investment programme is required at Our Lady’s Primary in Stoneyburn.

Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: “It’s essential we continue to invest in our schools to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

“This £10 million investment programme will address historic construction issues in our school buildings and ensure they can continue to service their local communities for many years to come.”

Source: Edinburgh Live