Asbestos discovery closes classrooms at Halesowen school
Three classrooms have been cordoned off at a school following the discovery of asbestos in an underground heating pipe.
Heath and safety experts sealed off the section of a teaching block at Earls High School, in Halesowen, after finding the small amount of contamination in 10ft of cast iron pipe.
The asbestos was discovered following a leak in the school's heating supply.
The school was shut for two days to all pupils while the heating was repaired.
Three drama classrooms and a girls' toilet near the asbestos remain closed off as work is carried out to remove it.
Vice-principal Rob Kew said he hoped the contamination will be removed by Friday and for the classrooms to reopened next week.
He said: "The safety of our students and staff is our priority and we have worked very closely with health and safety experts to ensure it.
"All necessary steps to protect their safety have been followed and every action taken.
"Asbestos is found in any building built before the 1950s."
Asbestos is not dangerous unless it is disturbed and fibres become airborne. The Health and Safety Executive and a health and safety team from Dudley Council have assisted the school
