SHROPSHIRE Council is carrying out work to identify if any RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is present in any of its buildings.

A large part of the 'data gathering excercise', the council says, is focussed on council-maintained schools. However, a prior assessment of other buildings was previously initiated and this now requires further analysis and the gathering of further essential data.

The council say that, once officers have this information, they will then carry out a desktop assessment in the first instance to remove properties from the scope of this exercise.

A spokesperson said: "The buildings considered ‘in scope’ will then be reviewed, for further assessment. If any properties constructed using RAAC are identified, the council will assess the potential risk and decide on the next course of action."

In north Shropshire, parts of Whitchurch Civic Centre are to close to the public after an assessment identified RAAC roof beams in parts of the building.

The assessment found that part of the roof to the rear of Whitchurch Library has RAAC roof beams. However, some temporary props are being inserted and the library will then remain open pending more detailed surveys.

Other parts of the Civic Centre – operated by Whitchurch Town Council – also have RAAC roof beams, and there may also be some in the intermediate floors.

As a result, a detailed structural inspection of the Civic Centre must now be carried out by specialist structural engineers. As they are in great demand nationally it is likely to take up to three weeks before they can complete the work at Whitchurch Civic Centre.