WORKS to fix Beattock Primary’s problem roof are expected to be completed by August 2024 — and then attention will turn to another school with the same issues.
Council officials have revealed Friday August 2 2024 as the exact date they expect to take back the Upper Annandale school, which has been closed since April.
They will give members of the education committee an update on how the remedial works are going at next week’s meeting.
A design team has now been appointed comprising an internal architect and technician from their own ranks, as well as an external
consultant, structural engineer, and quantity surveyor.
They are being tasked with developing a new suitable roof system for the village school and have so far carried out various surveys and are conducting an “option appraisal for the best outcome” with the assistance of various manufacturers.
Furthermore, tender documents are being prepared and the search will start soon for the main contractor.
The 12-year-old school was shut five months ago and all the children moved to Moffat, where they remain, after investigations found wet rot, water damage and fungal growth in the roof, which experts said would need “extensive repairs”.
In June councillors agreed to go ahead with the work and were told it would cost approximately £1.6 million. There have been no further updates on the expected final pricetag.
Meanwhile, almost identical water damage issues have been found at a second Annandale and Eskdale primary school.
Checks were carried out at Langholm Primary over the summer break amid concerns it was built at the same time as Beattock.
And rotting and saturated timbers and panelling were discovered there too, it has emerged.
However, it is not believed to be in as serious a condition and the remedial works will not take place until next summer.
