Flash Ley formaldehyde leak: Primary school declared 'safe' after a year

Around 20 pupils at Flash Ley Primary School were taken ill in October 2015 after reports of a 'bad smell' in one part of the building.

The smell was thought to be caused by the toxic gas and chemical formaldehyde .

Pupils were evacuated from the school and it was then immediately closed.

Staffordshire County Council has finally confirmed the air quality at Flash Ley is now 'safe' and repair work has commenced on 'all' parts of the gas-ridden buildings at Hawksmoor Road.

Flash Ley pupils have been having their lessons at other schools in the area.

The council has refrained from putting a date on when they would be able to return after missing initial targets but have now stated talks are underway about the practical arrangements for bringing pupils back to Flash Ley.

Councillor Ben Adams, learning and skills boss, said: "The latest set of air tests have revealed safe levels, meaning work can continue into all parts of the school building. We are now at the point where we can potentially start speeding up the repair works, and aim to get pupils and teachers back into their school as soon as possible.

"At the moment we are discussing practicalities with teachers and governors who are working hard preparing for the return, as well as liaising with our contractors. Once we are in a position to give a date of return, we will be letting parents know as soon as possible."

Less than three weeks ago the council issued a statement confirming air quality levels were not safe in certain parts of the school.

In the wake of the immediate closure of Flash Ley when the gas was discovered pupils were moved to Chetwynd Centre, Tillington Manor Primary and Stafford Manor High, which is where they started the new school year in September.

It is estimated that the temporary shutdown has cost the council £1.1million in repair works, legal fees and transport arrangements for students, which the authority has already vowed to fully recover.

As previously revealed by the Express & Star the formaldehyde was released as a result of works which took place in the summer of 2015 to fill in ducts in the school's floors.

Benefil were subcontracted to carry out the job and has stated they are cooperating fully with the council concerning the ongoing investigation as to what happened, as well as the remedial work.

The company has also said it will 'deal' with any potential legal proceedings if or when they come forward.