Residents urged to issue ‘warm welcome’ to Northumberland school pupils relocated over safety concerns

Students at Mowbray Primary School will be moved to Foundry House in Bedlington after the century-old school building was deemed unsafe.

Work to re-purpose Foundry House is expected to take several weeks, during which time pupils will be housed at a host of other schools in the area.

Reform UK councillor Trevor Austin, who represents the Bedlington East ward, admitted there was likely to be some disruption – but insisted it was important to do what was best for the youngsters.

Cllr Austin said: “This situation affects more than just them; it will also impact us, particularly those who use or visit the Family Hub. Initially, construction workers and associated trades will be on site to re-purpose the building.

“Once their work is complete, a new primary school – albeit a temporary one – will be operating in our midst. There is no doubt that this will generate additional traffic, but this will be a temporary situation.

“While there will be some disruption and inconvenience for us, it will be far greater for the pupils, parents, and staff of Mowbray Primary School. I am confident we will be able to offer them a warm welcome when they arrive in their ‘new home’.”

It was announced this week that Mowbray would not be reopening after the Christmas holidays. It followed the findings of a report by structural engineers which found that cracks in the building – discovered earlier this year – were now “widespread and progressive” along with “wall movement”.

The issues were said to have “accelerated over recent weeks and days” leading the engineers to declare the building unsafe. The building dates back to the 1920s, with various additions built out over the decades.

Surveys in 2023 found that the school did not contain any RAAC after the material forced the closure of schools across the country.