NEW tests at a Gwent school closed due to asbestos have shown potential problems at the school could have been wildly exaggerated.

As we reported yesterday, a new investigation ordered by the Health and Safety Executive shows asbestos levels at Cwmcarn High School to be no worse than those found normally in the atmosphere.

Yet the school has been closed since the autumn, recommended for demolition, and all its pupils shipped out to a temporary site.

Farce is not a strong enough word to describe the situation at the school.

The original investigation suggested asbestos levels at Cwmcarn were high enough to pose a significant risk to the health of pupils and staff.

Now it is being suggested that children and teachers could return to the school from their temporary base at the former Coleg Gwent campus in Ebbw Vale.

There has been a major dispute between school governors and Caerphilly council about the findings of the original investigation and it would appear governors have been proved right.

Everyone at the school has been caused huge amounts of worry and stress.

Some parents believe the council simply wants rid of Cwmcarn School. Whether they are right is debatable – but they certainly deserve some full and frank answers from the council.