A COUPLE of schools on Anglesey have closed amid concerns regarding concrete.

Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi will not be welcoming back pupils tomorrow (September 5) as originally planned after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found at both schools.

There are no immediate risks or concerns, but both schools will now temporarily close so that further safety inspections can be carried out and alternative planning can take place.

Welsh Government is undertaking further work to verify the position across Wales, and a review of the latest information held by local authorities is underway.

The findings from this review are expected in two weeks.

RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete and was used in the construction of schools, colleges, and other buildings from the 1950s until the mid-1990s.

Isle of Anglesey County Council said it was made aware of potential issues of RAAC since it was raised via the Local Government Association in 2019-20.

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Consequently, buildings affected by RAAC have received specialist annual inspections by external surveyors.

Council leader, Cllr Llinos Medi said: “This is an evolving and emerging national issue. We appreciate this will be disappointing for all staff and pupils.

“However, their safety is our main priority. We are putting plans in place for Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to minimise any disruption to children’s education.

“We are working closely with the headteachers and staff at the affected schools. The schools will communicate further updates with parents/guardians and young people.

“Again, our main priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and young people.”

The minister for education and Welsh language, Jeremy Miles, said, “Our main concern is the safety of pupils and staff.

“Since we became aware of these developments, we have been working urgently with Local Authorities and WLGA to make sure pupils and staff can go back to school safely.”

 “We’re making these decisions together to keep staff and pupils safe. Anglesey Council and the schools are doing everything they can to minimise the impact on pupils.

“If any of this action affects you, you will hear directly from your school.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ynys Môn MS, said: "The situation is a worrying one - I have already discussed it with Welsh Government’s education minister, and I understand from Anglesey County Council that they have been monitoring the buildings that contain RAAC annually as is required of them.

“I’m grateful to Anglesey Council for responding promptly and effectively.

"The priority now is to ensure that the further necessary security assessments that are required take place as soon as possible, and I will ensure that I am kept updated by Anglesey County Council and Welsh Government.

"It will then be necessary to find out why and how information was not shared earlier by the UK Government.

"Any parents who are seeking further information are welcome to contact my office."