Newton News carried a letter from Counc. George Gray who said  there are primary schools in Newton Aycliffe which have asbestos and are not safe.
County Counc. Kate Hopper rasied this matter at County Hall and received the following statement from School Organisation Manager Graeme Plews:
“I have been made aware of the e-mail you sent to Counc. Ossie Johnson concerning claim in a local newspaper by a Parish Councillor that schools in Newton Aycliffe” have asbestos and this is not safe.”
Together with other Local Authorities in the country, there are a number of school buildings in County Durham that contain asbestos.
I would like to reassure you however that all schools have asbestos management plans in place which are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure  the health and safety of all users of buildings are not put at risk.
Schools are also supported by the County Council’s asbestos officers to effectively manage the presence of asbestos.
I can confirm therefore that there is no truth in the statement that appeared in the local newspaper.”