Defects discovered four years ago in Miller-built Glasgow school

A school in Glasgow built by Miller Construction was discovered to have defects in 2012, it has been revealed.

Miller Construction is at the centre of the ongoing situation in Edinburgh where 17 schools, which were built under a public private partnership (PPP) deal, have been closed over safety fears after remedial works taking place at Oxgangs Primary School uncovered “new issues” relating to the school’s construction.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council has confirmed structural surveys were carried out at all Miller-built schools in the city after an issue came to light four years ago at the city’s Lourdes Primary.

She said, “The issue over the building defects in Lourdes Primary School that came to light in November 2012 was handled quickly and effectively with Miller Construction accepting all responsibility. They paid all costs relating to the works and decant costs.

“The council then ordered structural surveys on all Glasgow schools Miller Construction built and all came back clear.

“These are the same schools that have been inspected again recently and we have no cause for concern but for further reassurance, our PPP contractor 3Ed, will be inspecting them again this week.

“Our schools will be open as normal on Monday 18 April following the Spring break.”

Lourdes Primary School was not built under PPP.

Meanwhile, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced alternative arrangements for 1,300 pupils from four primary schools affected by the closures in the Capital. This means 3,300 out of 7,600 pupils now have school arrangements in place.

Pupils from Oxgangs and St Peter’s will use the alternative arrangements that were in place before the Easter break.
Craigroyston Primary pupils will be relocated to Craigroyston Community High School on a phased basis. P4 – P7 will have arrangements in place from Friday 15 Apri). P1 – P3 will return on Tuesday 19 April as Monday 18 April is the Spring Public Holiday.
Castleview Primary pupils will be relocated to Castlebrae High School from Tuesday 19 April.
The council added that work is ongoing to identify alternative arrangements for other primary, special and S1 to S3 pupils. The Council anticipates all affected primary and special school pupils to be in alternative schools by Tuesday 19 April, subject to the Council getting access to the closed schools to move necessary furniture and equipment.
 Chief Executive Andrew Kerr said, “We have now put in place alternative arrangements for 3,300 pupils, including as a priority all senior pupils in S4, S5 and S6 sitting exams in the near future, which has been a huge logistical exercise. Work is continuing to identify alternative options for other primary, special and S1 to S3 pupils which we will communicate to parents as soon as we have further information.
“I fully recognise the significant inconvenience to parents caused by these closures and I want to thank them for their patience as we continue to work through this issue.”
A programme of structural surveys arranged by the Edinburgh Schools Partnership is continuing this week.

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