Asbestos is to be cleared from a Fife primary school.
The work is to be carried out at Lumphinnans this Easter, when the school’s classrooms are closed.
There were fears it would mean the voluntarily-run Cowdenbeath after school club would have to be on the lookout for a new home, but happily it will be held in a contained area while the work is undertaken.
Cowdenbeath councillor Alistair Bain said that if the club, which looks after 40 children, was unable to use the school at Easter then it would have had to find another venue.
And he had suggested the Cowdenbeath area committee would look at using the new sports hub at Lumphinnans at the same cost.
Fife Council said that Lumphinnans, like many schools of this age, contains asbestos in its ceiling panels.
Louise Playford, who is the service manager for school estate, education and children’s services, confirmed: “Works are being carried out at Lumphinnans Primary School during the Easter and summer holidays.
“This is part of an ongoing programme to ensure that school buildings in Fife are well maintained.
“The work will replace the lighting in the school and will include removing and replacing some ceiling panels.
“As with many buildings of this age, the existing ceiling panels contain some asbestos.
“The council has clear processes for the management of asbestos, and includes undertaking a number of air tests following the completion of any work.”
There was some good news, however, for the local well-used after school children’s club.
Ms Playford said: “During the Easter break the Cowdenbeath after school club will continue to run within a contained area at Lumphinnans Primary School, which will not be affected by the works.
“This is to ensure that the service and the activities on offer will continue as usual.
“The after school club will be relocated on a temporary basis to allow the remaining work to be carried out.
“We are currently working with them to find a suitable alternative building for this period.”
The after school club has also been awarded £8,000 from Cowdenbeath area committee to help with transport costs to bring in children from outlying areas.