A clear problem...but nothing new (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A clear problem...but nothing new

8:17am Friday 10th July 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

SIR – On This Day 50 years ago (T&A, July 4) reported that because of its large expanse of glass, the temperature in the new Otley Secondary School in Bridge Street had reached 110F (43C) in the sunny spell. Consequently, children were having to receive lessons in the vestibule.

Half-a-century on, Bradford’s three newest secondary schools, Titus Salt at Baildon, Tong High and Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, are blaming the use of glass at the schools for temperatures reaching 38C (100F) during the recent heatwave (T&A, July 3).

Ian Murch, secretary of the Bradford Branch of the National Union of Teachers, said: “Our safety advice is that temperatures above 26C are not fit to be endured for long periods.”

Unbelievably, a member of the Council’s intelligentsia naively suggested that “schools should apply sun cream” (presumably on the pupils, not the glass), and “make sure sun hats are worn”.

This would create a scene reminiscent of St Trinian’s and give cartoonists a field day.

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford