Walls at Powys primary school were 'at risk of collapse'

A local firm undertaking work at Rhayader Primary School last month discovered a safety issue at the building, which was described as “one of the worst we have seen”.

This had left the outer brick wall at the front of the school leaning out. During this period it was also discovered that another area by the school hall was also not attached fully.

However, the school has confirmed that the work was completed in mid-October, before the pupils broke up for the autumn half term.

The work was completed by Llangammarch Wells-based Redwards Construction Ltd. In a Facebook post at the end of October, the firm said: “Redwards Construction Limited were tasked with the removal of unsafe brickwork to the facade of the (Rhayader Primary School) building.

“First, the south elevation was to be made safe, but on inspection, due to the failure of the galvanised wall ties it was essential to go further and remove the brickwork to the east elevation.

“The walls were (at) a severe high risk of collapse and one of the worst we have seen, with poor mortar used.

“To rebuild we used the Ancon stainless steel tie rail system with the installation of new cavity trays and vents to make the school cladding safe again.”

Rhayader headteacher Linda Crockett said: “The school had an issue as the original wall ties had failed at the front of the school, meaning the outer brick wall was leaning out. 

“When the work was started there was another area by the hall that was also not attached fully. The work was due to take place in the summer holidays but a delay meant the work was actually completed on October 19. 

“Two areas of external wall had to be taken down and new wall ties and brick wall built to make the structure fully safe.”