Fire doors at school to be replaced

Dozens of fire doors at a Birmingham primary school are to be replaced after an inspection found they do not meet safety regulations.

Essential works are set to be carried out at James Watt Primary School in Handsworth, with the city council putting around £130,000 towards the project.

With several fire doors not meeting current fire safety regulations, the local authority said recently that works are required at the school.

These include the replacement of 46 fire doors and frames, as well as remedial works to 18 fire doors and frames.

“These works are necessary to ensure the building meets current fire safety standards,” a recently-published council report said.

The option to patch repair and carry out “reactive” maintenance was dismissed as it would not be compliant with fire regulations.

“The option to do nothing was discounted as it would leave essential fire door works that are required to bring the school to the latest standards,” the report continued.

“It would not meet the council’s statutory duty to maintain safe and suitable school buildings and would not comply with fire regulations.”

“Accordingly, the proposed works are necessary to ensure the school remains safe and fit for purpose.”

The council set the works would start this month and are expected to last around seven weeks.

“This decision supports the council’s corporate plan by ensuring school buildings are safe, compliant and fit for purpose,” it added. “[This enables] children to access high-quality learning environments.”

The council’s contribution towards the project will be funded from the DfE School Condition Allocation Grant, which means no general fund will be used.

The school meanwhile are putting around £50,000 towards the works.

By Alexander Brock | Local Democracy Reporting Service