SCHOOLS in Powys are not affected by RAAC concrete, the council assures 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.

Powys County Council has said that it is not aware of any schools in the county that contain RAAC and have been investigating this since 2020 but is currently in the process of following guidance and carrying out additional survey inspections.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, leader of the council, said: “At present, we are not aware of any local authority schools in the county that contain RAAC.

“The council previously investigated the matter in 2020. However, following the recent developments and the additional guidance that has been issued, we are now in the process of undertaking a small number of additional survey inspections of our schools and the wider corporate estate.

“Surveys on the highest priority buildings have already been completed with no evidence of RAAC being present.

“We are working hard to ensure all other surveys are completed as soon as possible and we expect to conclude the additional work within the next few days.”

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.