Work resumes on Abraham Darby Academy School

Work has re-started at the £35 million Abraham Darby Academy School in Telford after the collapse of a steel canopy which injured five construction workers, council chiefs said this afternoon.

Work has been continuing on the primary school and leisure buildings since the incident on August 25.

Staff from contractor Kier Moss now have the all-clear to continue work.

Councillor Paul Watling, from Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "I'm really pleased that work has re-started on site.

"It is good news that the primary school and leisure facilities were unaffected by the canopy incident and that the work was able to continue.

"The opening of the academy will be delayed, but Telford & Wrekin Council and the academy are working closely with Kier Moss to ensure that the new build, once completed, is handed over at an appropriate time for both pupils and teaching staff."

Woodlands Primary School will move into the new Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community as planned at the start of the spring term.

It is not yet known when the Abraham Darby Academy, which was due to be completed in January, will now open.

Richard Collin, of Kier Moss, said: "We have worked closely with and will continue to work with the Health & Safety Executive as part of their ongoing investigations but permission has now been given for work to restart on the main academy building.

"Remedial works will now be carried out to the brickwork and windows at the front of the academy and throughout this time, residents will continue to have access to their homes."

Mr Collin added: "As a result of progress made, we can now confirm that the primary school will move into their new building as planned for the start of the 2012 spring term.

"Engineers are conducting an independent investigation on site, alongside the HSE inquiry, and Kier is working with the community engagement team at Telford & Wrekin Council to ensure that local residents are kept fully informed about how the work is progressing."

For more information about the school log on to www.telford.gov.uk/abrahamdarby