THERE is no danger of Bradford’s schools “falling down” despite there being a £39 million backlog in maintenance, a committee has been assured.
Bradford Council’s Children’s Services scrutiny committee met today to discuss the backlog in works needed in schools, with millions needed for works to wiring, roofing and furniture.
Chairman Councillor Malcolm Sykes asked if the backlog meant pupils at the schools were being put in danger by crumbling buildings. Cindy Peek, deputy director of children’s services, said: “We are very confident that our schools are safe. Any safety issues are picked up.”
They said much of the backlog was down to parts of the school estate, such as boilers and windows, reaching the end of their lifespan.
But the committee raised concerns that schools such as academies and free schools, which are out of council control, were not included in these figures.
Cllr Sykes said: “I’m not happy that we have very little say in these schools.
“How can we the guarantee the safety of the kids in these schools?”
The committee asked for more information on the backlog in non- council-run schools to be brought to a future meeting.
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