No choice but to shut school building, says council

A school building in Ruddington has been permanently closed as there was "no other choice", Nottinghamshire County Council has said.

St Peter's C of E Junior School was forced to close earlier this month after safety concerns were identified.

The council said reports had found "structural issues which are beyond repair", adding it has applied for "urgent funding" from the Department for Education "to demolish and rebuild the school".

A "temporary learning village" is being created next to the old building, which the council said would be able to accommodate all 350 pupils and was set to open in March.

All children enrolled at the school will have places in neighbouring institutions for the next term, the council has said.

Wayne Bexton, its director of economy, environment and assets, said initial survey work on the building had already begun, with construction due to start in January.

He said: "Following detailed investigations and after seeking expert advice, we have no other choice but to permanently close the main building.

"The safety of pupils, staff and visitors has to be our number one priority, as reports show that the building has structural issues which are beyond repair.

"Whilst the likelihood of structural failure is very low, this is of course still too much."

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