Inspection finds more schools need urgent repairs

Ludham Primary School is one of the 19 sites in need of urgent ceiling repairs

A further four schools in Norfolk have been identified as needing urgent repairs to their ceilings, bringing the total to 19.

Norfolk County Council has inspected 60 schools after a ceiling partially collapsed at Fakenham Junior School in September.

Old Catton Junior, Colby Primary School, Terrington St John Primary School and Wreningham Primary School have all been added to the 15 schools previously listed.

While work at some schools is yet to be carried out and completed, the council estimates it will cost more than £100,000.

The schools have been inspected over ceilings which have been constructed using lath and plaster.

The method involves strips of wood nailed to walls and ceilings and covered with plaster, which the authority said could be at risk of cracking and collapsing if damaged.

Norfolk County Council said work had taken place at seven schools during half term in order to minimise disruption.

Work at many of the 11 other schools was nearing completion, including Woodton Primary who have used Woodton Parish Council's hall for some classes.

However, work had not started in one school where a staff room is affected.

The authority said academies were responsible for their own maintenance programmes and it had written to trusts to notify them of the issue.