Photo credit: Google street view<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield City Council has approved \u00a3720,000 in funding to provide a temporary fix for issues with the roof at Carterknowle Junior School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Finance and Performance Committee voted unanimously to approve the allocation at their meeting on Monday (16 March). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In January, the school was temporarily closed after parts of the ceiling fell in a classroom, which was attributed to longstanding issues caused by a leaking roof. Debris had also fallen in the staff room at the beginning of the academic year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The funding will allow for protective materials around the roof to catch any falling hazards, remove damaged classroom ceilings, and construct a temporary roof structure to prevent further damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A report published to the committee recommending the funding to be passed described the roof as in a \u201cseverely deteriorated state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also said that \u201croof tiles and other materials\u201d had been falling from the building, causing parts of the school playground to close, and that \u201cwater ingress\u201d was degrading the ceiling.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Martin Phipps, Green Party councillor for the City ward, said at the meeting that he and his party \u201creally welcome\u201d the funding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also said: “I know the state of the school’s roof and ceilings are something that has been really concerning for the safety of the children and the staff and I can only imagine it’s been really concerning for the parents of pupils and I’ve heard some of that concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s really desperately important that we make that school safe as soon as possible. So really welcome the item for approval to do this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn the other hand, it’s really regrettable how the school has deteriorated to this point. And I guess that reflects the underfunding we’ve seen over a long period of time for schools and something we desperately need to change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n