Asbestos scare closes high school
Willetton Senior High School will be closed for the week after asbestos residue was discovered in buildings due for demolition.
Department of Education Deputy Director General, Schools David Axworthy said the residue was found late last week, during a routine Hazardous Materials Survey of buildings planned for demolition by the end of 2014.
Parents were told of the closure last night.
“Further visual inspections and air-testing of all areas of the school are underway today by independent consultants and the Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works,” Mr Axworthy said.
The Department said this afternoon that the school would remain closed for the rest of the week.
About 1800 students are enrolled at the school. They were due to start third term today.
The school is undergoing major refurbishments.
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan, who was outside the school this morning, said the issue should have been dealt with before students returned to school.
