Tens of thousands spent 'keeping La Mare safe'
EDUCATION has spent tens of thousands of pounds every year tackling vermin problems, holes in floors and ceilings and other critical work at the creaking La Mare de Carteret schools, minister Robert Sillars has said, as he hit back at claims of neglect.
Treasury and Resources has accused Education of repeatedly underspending its overall maintenance funding.
But Deputy Sillars said the La Mare funding from its revenue maintenance budget tried to ensure the 'health and safety' of its students and staff.
The minister said the department had also spent more than £1.3m. on La Mare from its capital maintenance budget over the last 12 years, but in the knowledge that it was due to be rebuilt, and not expecting the additional delays to the £60m. redevelopment project.
Deputy Sillars said that while Education had funded maintenance each and every year at La Mare, the school environment and repeated difficulties facing students and staff meant it was just not fit-for-purpose for this day and age.
'The examination hall can be surrounded by corridors, where children are having to eat their lunch when it is raining,' he said. 'When it rains it is so crowded for them to eat.
'These are just examples of some of the issues.'
