Greenfield Academy clears new building after chemical spill

Greenfield Academy in County Durham halted student entry to its new building on Monday following a reported chemical spill. The incident occurred during the transfer of equipment and resources into the facility. Students were instructed to work remotely while emergency services and specialists addressed the situation.

James Keating, the executive headteacher at Greenfield Academy, stated that the building was evacuated as a precautionary measure. He confirmed that established safety procedures were followed immediately after the spillage occurred. The response involved coordinated efforts from local fire services and cleaning contractors to secure the area.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four appliances attended the incident. The team safely managed the situation and worked alongside specialist contractors who performed necessary cleaning and safety checks on the site.

The affected area underwent a thorough assessment by the responding teams. Confirmation was received that the building was safe to occupy once the checks were finalized. This clearance allowed the school to prepare for the return of its student body after the half-term holiday.

The new building is part of a larger refurbishment project for the academy. The project includes a new teaching block, an extension to the sports hall, and a full refurbishment of the administration, Music, and Drama areas, as well as the main hall. The work was scheduled for completion by the end of the October half term.