Asbestos hits Christmas for South Craven schoolchildren (From Craven Herald)

Asbestos hits Christmas for South Craven schoolchildren

10:00am Saturday 28th November 2009

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Costumes and props for a school’s Christmas festivities, feared to have been contaminated by asbestos, have been destroyed.

The cellar at Sutton school has been declared a no-go area and is undergoing a clean-up.

The discovery, after a survey, found asbestos fibres and damage to nativity costumes and other items, is threatening the Christmas fair.

A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said asbestos was found in the cellar during a survey for the toxic material in June. The asbestos was previously inaccessible and presented no risk, the spokesman said.

“The cellar is now undergoing an environmental clean under controlled conditions. All stored items including costumes and props used for drama activities have been safely disposed of.”

The Friends Association and school staff are determined not to let the incident jeopardise Christmas events for the children.

Friends chairman Rosie Chew said: “We’re heartbroken that the events may suffer and we’re desperate to replace damaged items.

“It would be sad for the children if they had to miss the Christmas fair, so we’re going to cobble together a scaled-down version.

“We are pleading with local businesses and the community for donations. We also need material for Santa’s grotto and gifts, toys, chocolates and other small prizes.

“Our Christmas fair is a crucial part of fundraising to provide what is needed for the children that the school budget doesn’t cover and missing this opportunity would be extremely sad.”

The Christmas fair will be on Saturday, December 12, from 11am to 1.30pm in the school hall and the children are asking the community to support it. Many businesses have already donated cash or items.

Another way to raise funds is to shop online at www.thegivingmachine.co.uk or by using the school’s fundraising website g1ve.co.uk.

You can contact the school on 01535 633064 or email friendsofsuttoncp@live.co.uk.

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