By Joseph Timan

Dangerous concrete has been identified at another college in Greater Manchester.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found at Marple Sixth Form College in Stockport, the government has confirmed.

The 16-plus college, which is part of the Trafford College Group, is the eighth educational setting in the city-region to be named by the government which issued new guidance for affected buildings last month. 

A college spokesperson said: "During the summer, the college has, in conjunction with the Department for Education (DfE), undertaken a structural survey of our Marple campus. The survey identified the presence of RAAC within one area of the campus.

"In line with DfE guidance, the college has taken the decision to restrict access to the affected area while we complete further surveys and if necessary, remedial works. The classrooms affected will not be in use until we are reassured that they are fit for purpose and have passed all necessary health and safety checks.

"We are devising contingency measures in conjunction with DfE and can confirm that students affected by this issue will benefit from full lesson delivery on campus together with a high-quality student experience."

Other buildings – including hospitals and shopping centres – have also been confirmed as having dangerous crumbling concrete. Local authorities and housing associations are now reviewing their properties to look for RAAC.

Earlier this month, the Department for Education revealed 147 schools had been informed of the presence of the RAAC on their sites. As a result, some have had to close parts of their buildings, including in Greater Manchester.

According to a new document published by the DfE today (September 19), RAAC has been discovered at another 27 school or college buildings as of last week. This includes Marple Sixth Form College in Buxton Lane, Stockport.

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