Hartlepool school temporarily closed

The Leader of Hartlepool Council says he's "angry and disappointed" that a school in the town's being forced to shut temporarily.

Barnard Grove Primary will be closed for three days from Monday for and independent survey of the structure, which is the responsibility of the Department for Education.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "I am extremely angry and disappointed we have been forced to take this decision and I would like to apologise to the children, their parents, staff and the wider community.

"This school was funded by the Government’s Education Funding Agency who commissioned the contractor, technical advisor and architect and was signed off by an Independent Building Inspector, not a Local Authority Building Inspector.

"Responsibility lies firmly with the Government and we are pushing them to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.

"We fully understand and share people’s anger and frustration at the situation. However, our primary concern is the safety of all children and staff."

It is hoped the school will reopen on Thursday November 8, with a further update on Tuesday afternoon.