Hawarden High School repair works confirmed

Work to repair the damage caused by Storm Darragh at Hawarden High School has begun and will continue over the Christmas break.

During the high winds on Saturday, a large tree fell and brought down several overhead cables which were fixed to the gable wall of the school which in turn brought down a section of the wall.

Representatives from Flintshire County Council met with the headteacher of Hawarden High on Sunday to survey the damage and organised remedial measures to make the area safe. A decision was made to close the school on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure the damaged walls were surveyed and inspected by a structural engineer.

A specialist consultant visited the site on Monday to assess the structural integrity of the affected section of wall, as well as the three other gables, all of which were deemed safe. Scaffolding has been erected and the building is now water and windproofed to prevent further damage.

Flintshire County Council can confirm that permanent repair works will take place at the end of school term during the Christmas holidays.

Headteacher Simon Budgen said:

“The primary focus has been on ensuring the school is safe and ready to welcome pupils and staff back as quickly as possible, and I’m pleased this has been achieved. I’m grateful to Flintshire County Council and the structural engineers for their swift and professional response, as well as to our whole school community for their patience and support. We look forward to resuming normal routines whilst permanent repair work is carried out over the Christmas break.”