Just before the half-term break it appears that a pipe below ground fractured which caused some ground movement right at the point where the electric, gas and water supplies connected to the school.
These had to be immediately turned-off and although surveys found there were no structural issues to any school building, the utilities had to be re-routed so that the ground could be reinstated.
It saw contractors work on site every day for three weeks so that the school could reopen as soon as was possible.
During this time school staff set-up remote learning so that pupils could continue lessons.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “Contractors and our own council teams have worked tirelessly to resolve what have been some very challenging issues and I’m very grateful to them.
“I also appreciate school staff for all they have done in supporting remote learning.
“From the outset we’ve been determined to minimise any period of disruption to get learners and staff back into school.
“I’m very pleased that thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of people the school is fully reopen today.”
Separate ground contractors will still be on-site working to restore the area where ground movement occurred, but this work, which is expected to take a further two weeks, will not impact on staff or pupils.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Robert Smith, said: “As soon as the issue came to light all utilities to the school had to be turned of
“It has been a very complex job to re-route and re-instate them but contractors have been on-site every day working in some atrocious weather conditions.
“They really have pulled out all the stops to get the school back-up and running as soon as possible.
“I am very grateful to them for their hard work, along with the council teams who have been working alongside them.
“I would like to thank all the staff at Bishopston Comprehensive for their efforts in continuing to educate pupils while the school buildings have been closed.
“Equally I’m grateful to parents, carers and families for their patience and support of the school.”
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
