GOVERNORS of Cwmcarn High School have agreed to let Caerphilly council carry out £1 million-worth of asbestos repairs at the site, bringing an end to a two-week stalemate over the issue.

UPDATE: 11.00am

THE move allow the repairs to the school to go ahead means means the school's specialist advisors Ensafe are "out of the equation", chairman of governors Gary Thomas confirmed today, and the school site will be "fit for reoccupation" on September 2.

The decision, made after an hour-long governors' meeting on Monday night, brings an end to a verbal spat between the governors, Ensafe and Caerphilly council, as each accused the other of changing its demands, despite £1 million works to remove airborne asbestos being formally agreed in April.

The council announced earlier this month [JUNE 6] that it would no longer deal with Ensafe because it said they kept asking for improvements that had not been agreed to, and which could be deemed preferential in light of the 21st Century Schools programme.

Ensafe spokesman Greg Kirkman responded that the works were necessary as a consequence of removing asbestos and to comply with building regulations.

Governors failed to come to a decision last Tuesday, prompting the authority on Friday to issue a statement in which acting chief executive Nigel Barnett said time was running out.

On Saturday, the governors hit back on the school's website, describing the council's stance as aggressive and accusing it of using delaying tactics which are detrimental towards the school.

In a statement chairman of governors Gary Thomas said the governing body was twice ready to sign a copy of the grant agreement provided by the council on May 16 and 23, but the council "continually introduced new and even more onerous terms and conditions, thus preventing the governing body from signing it."

Chairman of governors Gary Thomas said they hope to release a joint press statement with the council, following the decision to work together.

Pupils will continue to take buses to Ebbw Vale while the council carries out the works. It has now been eight months since the school closed in October last year.