PUPILS are St Mungo's Primary School are facing disruption over the next few months after dampness rendered classrooms unsafe.

The youngsters will have to share facilities at nearby Alloa Academy until repair works at the school are completed.

Some parents have voiced their concerns at the move, with the council being criticised for poor communication.

Though the announcement was made with little-to-no consultation, the local authority insists that health and safety comes first.

The council released a statement last Friday which explained that issues relating to dampness in the past year had been caused by water levels continuing to rise under the floor.

It also said that the primary school pupils would have their own designated area within Alloa Academy, in an attempt to help them settle in.

However, members of the Alloa Academy Parent Council (AAPC) were dismayed by poor communication from the school and the council.

As yet, there is no definitive timescale for the necessary work to be carried out and parents are seeking assurances that the move will be a short-term measure.

A spokeswoman for the AAPC said: “We are working with Mr Bruce [the head teacher at Alloa Academy] to ensure there is minimal disruption for the pupils and teachers of Alloa Academy.

“This is a very important time of year for the senior phase pupils, with final preparation for their exams. We want the focus of our school to be maintained on improving attainment and building on the excellent work ongoing at Alloa Academy.

“We acknowledge the maintenance issues at St Mungo’s and that this move is on the grounds of health and well-being of the school community.

“The planning and consultation of this move has been disappointing, and could have been managed differently. However, we have been advised there is no alternative solution, other than to use some of the spare capacity at Alloa Academy.

“The parent council are clear this can only be a temporary solution and are seeking clarification from Clackmannanshire Council on their plans and timescales to have St Mungo’s fit for use.”

A spokeswoman for St Mungo’s Parent Council added: “The St Mungo’s parents are all working with the school to ensure the safety of our children.

“Although this is a big transition for everyone involved the head teacher, staff and council are doing a brilliant job of ensuring this transition goes as smoothly as possible."

St Mungo's pupils are expected to attend Alloa Academy from April 17 onwards.

Councillor Graham Lindsay, education spokesperson, said: “I appreciate that this decision has had to be made at short notice, but the health and safety of our children and staff has to be a priority.

“This council is committed to keeping dialogue open between all affected parties and there will be ongoing engagement with the wider school community.”

Meanwhile, some parents got in touch with the Advertiser to express concerns that the janitor from St Bernadette’s Primary School would be losing his job as the St Mungo’s janitor was reported to be going there while the work takes places.

The council, however, insisted there would be no job losses as a result of the move.