CONTRACTORS are making progress at Cwmcarn High School to fix airborne asbestos problems which shut the school last year.

Pupils have been learning at the former Coleg Gwent site in Ebbw Vale since the school closed last October.

A statement on the school website said workmen were removing asbestos debris and sealing asbestos panels that are safe to be left.

After the work by specialist asbestos removal firm Caswell Group is completed, the whole school will be “deep cleaned” and air quality tests will be done to ensure the buildings are safe for pupils and staff.

The statement said: “Due to the emergency nature of the situation, Caerphilly council agreed to provide just over a million pounds to fund the works.

“Exact costs will not be known until the scheme is completed, but the contractors are confident they can deliver the project well within budget.”

The contractors and council have agreed an accelerated programme to ensure the school buildings are ready from the first day of term, Wednesday, September 4.

“Rigorous testing will be carried out on air quality before the building is reoccupied,” the school’s statement said.

Staff have already packed equipment to be moved by a specialist contractor over the summer holidays, including kitchen equipment, laboratory chemicals, PE equipment and the school piano.

Prior to the move to Ebbw Vale, the school switched to a new timetable, starting at 8.40am and finishing at 2.55pm.