Early yesterday evening a plume of smoke was seen rising from the site of the replacement primary school in Whitfield, which is currently under construction. Initial fears that the fire might take hold were dispelled when it was realised that the fire had been confined to the car park area where a pallet of insulation material had been set alight.
Parents and carers with children anticipating moving into their new school in April will be relieved that the damage at the school site is not extensive.
The fire does however raise questions about the adequacy of site security and how flammable materials were apparently left in a position where they could be set alight. I have written to the Chief Executive and Director of Education to request reassurances that the Police and main contractor, Robertson Construction, have been asked to review security arrangements at this site in Whitfield. We don't want a fire on the scale of the one that destroyed Morgan Academy on our hands.