A primary school’s doors remained closed today after asbestos was discovered - delaying the start of the new school year.

The potentially toxic material was disturbed in the boiler room of St Mary's and St Peter's CE Primary School, in Teddington, during asbestos surveying and sampling last week.

A warning to parents was posted on the Somerset Road school's website telling them “cleaning works will be carried out across this weekend”.

It stated the autumn term would begin tomorrow as a result.

It read: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but as I am sure you will agree our priority in such circumstances is always the safety and welfare of our pupils and staff at all times.”

Over the summer break extensive works have been carried out at the school as part of its planned expansion in September 2010 - in order to better meet the rise in demand for primary places.

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