Abraham Darby Academy principal reassures parents

The principal of Telford's Abraham Darby Academy this afternoon reassured worried parents they would be kept up-to-date on what was happening at the site after a canopy at the new school building collapsed.

Principal Steve Hawke said he would be writing to all parents to explain the situation and what it would mean for the start of term next month.

The existing Abraham Darby Academy is on land next to the construction site, where the new school is being built.

But Mr Hawke said the current academy should not be affected because the incident happened far enough away.

He said: "We await the outcome of the Health and Safety Executive investigation and promise to keep parents of children at the academy up-to-date with arrangements for the start of term when more information is available."

Mr Hawke added: "I would like to reassure pupils, parents and governors that we will continue to keep you updated with the latest news."

He added staff would be manning the school's reception throughout the next week for parents to contact them.

Nigel Newman, a spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said education bosses were also hopeful the new school term would not be affected following the collapse of the scaffolding canopy at the academy.

But he said: "The new academy is due to open in January 2012 but it is too early to say whether this date will be affected.

"The Health and Safety Executive is now investigating this incident and specialist construction inspectors are on site today."

Chris Ammonds, a spokesman for Telford police, this afternoon said the injured construction workers were now under observation at hospital.

He confirmed Ironbridge Road remained closed to the public.

This morning the council put diversions in place and put up signposts to direct traffic.

Bus routes are being diverted down Glendinning Way, Hermitage Way and Wrekin View before joining normal routes.

However, the residential estate, The Keep, is still accessible.

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families at Telford & Wrekin Council, said that staff were out and about in the community talking to residents today.

The new academy is being built as part of the Telford & Wrekin Council's Building Schools for the Future programme. Officials said the new academy would be a combination of a modern building fit for 21st century education alongside some traditional values.

It will be the first secondary school in the borough to be rebuilt as a sports and learning community and will see the existing school and Woodlands Primary School demolished and redeveloped.

It is part of a £200 million package to transform Telford's schools.

Parents can be updated on the academy's arrangements for the start of term by visiting www.abrahamdarbyacademy.org.uk or by calling the school on (01952) 386000.