A PARENT has praised a weekend clean-up effort after raising fears about the “total building site” pupils would be returning to after the summer holidays.

Drew MacEoghainn, who has served on St Martin’s Primary parent council, spoke out last week and threatened to keep his children off school due to scaffolding and dust covering the site.

The mess had been created as a result of ongoing works, which he said began around ten weeks ago and have included the installation of new windows, internal redecoration and relaying the roof.

Speaking last Thursday (August 15) Drew said: “It’s a total building site where they have proposed to close a stairwell leaving only one open when our kids return.

“This is nothing short of a disgrace, the gym is full of stoor with workmen on scaffolding still putting windows in.

“The windows which have been fitted need plastered below them to stop water penetration but [the glazing firm] said its not their job.

“They’re proposing to leave around 20 square metres on the playground at the nursery side for the kids to play in as the scaffolding is up all around the building.”

On Facebook, other parents reiterated Drew’s concerns with one calling it “totally unacceptable” and “dangerous”.

Read more: St Martin's parent raises concerns about pupils returning to "total building site"

Yesterday morning, however, as pupils returned for the first day of the new school year, Drew told the Reporter that a big difference had been made over the weekend.

He added: “The school’s looking OK. Seemingly the interior is spotless with staff coming in from St Ronan’s to help the clean up.

“Still awaiting some information regarding disclosures for all workers on site, and health and safety checks for closing a stairwell etc.

“The workers have done a great job.”

In response to the concerns last week, the council said that focus during the summer holidays has been on completing works which would have been impractical while pupils were in the building, including re-roofing the entire school.

Every classroom and corridor has been redecorated and new windows have been fitted in the main corridors, gym/dining hall and kitchen.

The refurbishment of the gym/dining hall area is scheduled to take place at weekends over August and September and new carpets will be installed in the classrooms during the October break.

Once completed the improvement works will bring the school up to a Grade B condition.

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The spokeswoman added: “The £850,000 plus refurbishment programme commenced last year and is on schedule to be completed before the end of this financial year.”

“These works are improving the fabric of the building, with a new roof and windows, and also enhancing the learning environment for children who will return on Monday to bright, freshly decorated classrooms and corridors.

“In common with any works to our schools, the head teacher and staff have been involved at key stages in the development, as indeed has a health and safety officer.”