A COUNCIL is making “very good progress” dealing with the RAAC concrete crisis at two Anglesey secondary schools.

More blocks are re-opening and pupil and teacher returns are planned, Anglesey Council said.

The local authority said work is well underway at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Holyhead and Ysgol David Hughes, Menai Bridge.

They were the first schools in Wales known to be affected by the recent reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) emergency.

In an update, before Christmas, staff and pupils were thanked for their “patience, perseverance and good-will” over what was described as “challenging months”.

RAAC is a lightweight concrete that was used in roofs, floors and walls between the 1950s and 1990s.

As it is aerated, it is not as strong and only lasts for a limited amount of time.

Around 150 schools in England, and other buildings, were closed amid fears the crumbling concrete had the potential to collapse.

Anglesey Council says it has continued to work “pro-actively” with both school communities, external contractors, and Welsh Government to “implement sustainable and safe solutions”.

In an update for Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, the council said work on various block buildings was “progressing very well”.

Teaching block A and C will be available to move furniture back on January 5 and 6.

The school will be closed to pupils on January 8 and 9 to allow teachers to move back to their classrooms and for office staff to relocate their workstations.

All pupils will return to the school on January 10, while remedial works to the cafeteria are “almost complete and will allow full access”.

“The reception is still currently located at the back of the school building (and the main reception remains closed),” it added.

The update for Ysgol David Hughes said: “Following the completion of substantial building works, the school has had full access to the first floor of block C and the middle floor of the new block since December 18.

As a result, the art department can return to its usual rooms and maths teachers can move from the main hall and examination room to mainly individual classrooms (with two classes in ‘The Harbour’).

“Remedial work in Block C will begin in early January.

“The County Council, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and Ysgol David Hughes would like to thank all staff and pupils for their patience, perseverance and good-will over the last challenging months.”