THE headteacher of Commonweal School has spoken out about the massive disruption caused by a multi-million pound project to remove asbestos from the building.

Keith Defter said the 15-month project created vast technical and logistical challenges for staff and pupils at the Old Town school. His comments came after The Adver revealed yesterday that the potentially hazardous material is lurking in about 70 per cent of Swindon schools, including in classrooms, halls and changing rooms.

Nearly all parts of Commonweal School, in Old Town, were closed at some point during the work, which had to be undertaken to replace an outdated heating system.

Mr Defter said: “It had a massive impact on life at the school and there was a lot of work from everyone to make sure things ran smoothly.

“We actually got used to it for a year, we worked really, really well with Swindon Commercial Services.”

The project, overseen by the Health and Safety Executive, took place between spring last year and August this year.

Commonweal, which dates back to the 1920s, desperately needed a new heating system.

However, the water pipes that ran through the roof were insulated with asbestos.

Parts of the school were closed off in five phases and workmen removed the ceilings to inspect and remove the pipes.

The old maths block, which contained asbestos in its walls and ceilings, also had to be demolished and four new classrooms, including a science lab, were built.

Mr Defter said: “It was a massive project. Every Monday morning we reviewed the progress. Each week, it was probably 10 hours of my time, 10 hours of my deputy’s time and my business manager’s time.