January 22nd, 2007

A UK school has had to be closed due to concerns over the presence of asbestos, which is a known carcinogenic that can cause various health problems, including asbestos related cancer, to those exposed to airborne fibers and dust. The school is Westacre Middle School, which is located in Droitwich in Worcestershire.

Contractors came into the school during the Christmas holidays to carry out work, but due to asbestos being disturbed the students from the school have been unable to return after the Christmas break amidst fears that they may be exposed to airborne asbestos. Students are now attending other schools in the area until measures have been taken to ensure a safe return to their own school.

Parents of the students were very angry, stating that they were not kept informed of the goings on. Many students continued to get ready and go to school after the Christmas break only to be sent back home to their unsuspecting parents.

One parent stated: "It's disappointing we haven't been informed but I can't blame the school. It's the council that closed it down."