TWO local schools are to benefit from building works to improve the educational environment and remove dangerous asbestos from the premises.

The latest Herefordshire schools building works programme have been announced and the local authority is seeking a contractor to replace an asbestos-coated ceiling, along with roof lights, windows and render, at Much Birch Primary School and to install a new drain.

This contract is worth £185,000 and the works will be carried out between January to May next year.

Asbestos-containing materials was used extensively in the construction and refurbishment of schools and other public buildings from the 1950s until the use of asbestos in Great Britain was completely banned in 1999.

The council is also seeking a contractor to build an extension to house a new reception office, other offices and a meeting room at Ashfield Park Primary School in Ross-on-Wye.

GV of school
EXTENSION: Ashfield Park Primary School will have a new reception office and a meeting room. (Submitted)

The work also involves creating a hygiene and physiotherapy room within the existing school building.

The contract is valued at between £400,000 and £663,000 and the works for this project is due to be carried out between March and August next year.

A separate council contract, valued at £157,185, seeks consultancy services to manage its programme of adapting the county’s schools for pupils with special educational needs. The contract will last for two years from January.