Fire safety at Narberth's new primary school has been called into question. A school governor, County Clr. Wynne Evans, was shocked to learn at a recent governors meeting that there would not be a fire prevention sprinkler system in the new-build school in Jesse Road. "I welcome the new school and the investment by the county council, but the lack of a sprinkler system is somewhat alarming, especially with the fire at Mary Immaculate School in Haverfordwest some weeks ago," said Clr. Evans. Steps have now been taken by Clr. Evans to table a notice of motion to take place at the full county council meeting in mid-December. The notice of motion asks that the county council undertake a policy of installing sprinkler systems in all new-build schools in the county, and all those under construction. "This has been supported by all the political groups in County Hall, for which I am grateful," continued Clr. Evans. "The safety of children and staff is paramount and surely, the investment in systems now will pay long-term dividends in providing a safe environment to work and be educated in," he added. The notice, after discussion, is likely to be sent to a full scrutiny committee for further action. When contacted by the Observer, a spokeswoman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: "To date, none of Pembrokeshire County Council's schools have sprinkler systems installed, as it has been the authority's view that the risks posed by fire do not justify the significant additional costs compared to other fire prevention systems. "It is rarely the case that any one risk control proves to be a panacea and decisions on an effective mix of controls come about through a risk assessment process, which takes the relevant issues into account. "However, the council is keeping this policy under review and all the authority's schools are fitted with sophisticated fire-detection systems to enable the rapid evacuation of premises."
