‘Lessons learned’ after water at schools found to be infected

LESSONS have been learned after the reopening of several schools in Blaenau Gwent was delayed due to legionella bacteria in water supplies, council officials have said.

An independent review carried out after the issue affected seven schools in the borough found “significant gaps” in the council’s legionella management plans.

An online system of gathering information, more staff training and improvements to flushing of water systems will be carried out after a review by Integrated Water Services said the council’s practices did not meet current guidance.

At a special community services scrutiny meeting on Tuesday, Cllr Lisa Winnett said the review was “very damning” and claimed the authority had been “failing” students and staff.

“If we have another lockdown with closures we could end up with legionella in our schools again,” she said.

But council officer Lynn Phillips said: “There are some lessons to be learned here from a corporate landlord perspective and from an education perspective.

“From an education perspective we have already reflected on some of the practices such as the flushing regimes in our schools.”

Richard Crook, corporate director of regeneration at the council, disputed that there had been a “failing” by the council.

“There is no evidence we have failed. We have taken a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of our pupils and staff,” he said.

Cllr Steve Thomas, the council’s Labour group leader, questioned why the independent review was not published until Friday, claiming there had been “a coverup attempted”.

“The leadership of this council want to hide this report and its contents,” he said.

However Independent councillor Wayne Hodgins said: “The fact is we are learning lessons and playing the blame game is not helpful for any of us.”

The committee backed implementing the changes following the independent review, and said these should apply to all council buildings.