OVER half of Northumberland schools have asbestos.

A Freedom of Information Request submitted by the Courant found that of the county's 187 schools, 84 have potentially dangerous asbestos on site.

Asbestos is safe if undamaged and properly damaged, however, inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: “The health and safety of our residents is the council's top priority. 

"Many older school buildings have areas where there are asbestos-containing products within them. This is managed very carefully by the county council with each building having an asbestos management plan, which is reviewed on a regular basis and always checked before any construction or repair work is undertaken."

List of schools on patch containing asbestos:

  • Corbridge C of E First School
  • Allendale Primary School
  • Slaley First School
  • Whitfield First School
  • Beaufront First School
  • Chollerton C of E First School
  • Hexham East First School
  • The Sele First School
  • Corbridge Middle School
  • Newbrough C of E Primary School
  • Greenhead C of E School
  • Ovingham C of E First School
  • Ponteland Middle School
  • Ovingham Middle School
  • Haydon Bridge High School
  • Bellingham First School
  • Stamfordham First School
  • Mickley First School
  • Otterburn First School
  • Bellingham Middle School
  • Prudhoe Castle First School
  • Adderlane Accademy 
  • Highfield Middle School
  • Shaftoe Trust Primary School
  • Whittonstall First School
  • Kielder Primary School

The list does not include opted-out schools.