**Tenby School Receives Over £500,000 for Critical Structural Repairs Amid Concerns Over Risk Communication**
A secondary school in Tenby is set to undergo urgent and substantial repairs after it was found to be facing “significant risk” due to extensive structural faults. More than £500,000 has now been formally earmarked to address the deteriorating condition of Ysgol Greenhill School, following serious defects uncovered in an engineering survey.
The contract, valued at £555,946.17, has been awarded to Trident Engineering GBR Ltd, who have been commissioned to carry out extensive repairs aimed at ensuring the safety of pupils, staff, and the wider community. Approval for the funding was granted during a special meeting convened by Pembrokeshire Council, led by council leader Jon Harvey.
The scope of the issue was laid bare in a detailed survey conducted in July 2024 by Trident Engineering. Their initial findings highlighted around 750 individual faults, a number that only increased after further inspections held in February this year. Faults included widespread cracking in concrete slabs, beams, and columns, delaminating and fractured concrete, as well as deteriorating brickwork and evidence of previous failed repairs.
Of particular concern was the confirmation that the school’s coastal environment—exposing it to saline air—has rapidly accelerated corrosion throughout the building. The engineering report noted that sizeable pieces of concrete debris had already fallen from the structure, posing an immediate danger to those in and around the site. There were additional warnings that the severity of the damage would only intensify as seasonal temperature changes impacted the already weakened concrete.
Engineering consultants insisted that postponing remedial work could not only increase the risk, but would also incur additional monitoring costs in the future. “We recommend undertaking the necessary remedial works with immediate effect,” the report stated, further adding, “Some columns have lost enough structural mass to bring their integrity into question. Trident cannot endorse the continued use of the structure unless emergency repairs are initiated promptly.”
Following the contract award, Pembrokeshire County Council discussed the matter more widely at their May meeting. The council was urged to fully acknowledge the scale and urgency of the undertaking, as well as to support the swift actions already set in motion. Councillor Jon Harvey provided reassurance, informing attendees that the critical repairs were now well underway, with particular attention being given to the March Road segment of the building. This phase of work is expected to be completed by September.
Despite the progress made, questions have been raised about how the urgency of the repairs was initially communicated. Councillor Alec Cormack, who also serves as a governor at Ysgol Greenhill, expressed his frustration that he only learned of the crisis following media coverage. This issue was echoed by other council members, who pressed for greater transparency and more effective communication going forward, especially where safety is at stake.
Governor and councillor Alistair Cameron sought clarification over any risks of escalating costs or unforeseen complications. The council responded by assuring members that, at present, there are no indications of financial overruns or further cause for concern beyond the current allocation.
The episode has prompted broader questions about the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of school facilities, particularly those located in environments prone to harsh weather and corrosion. Many councillors and community members are now pushing for greater vigilance to help avoid similar crises in the future.
As the repairs move forward, the situation at Ysgol Greenhill serves as a stark reminder of the importance of routine structural assessments and prompt action in the face of potentially dangerous building defects. The school community and local residents will be watching closely as the next stages of the critical works unfold throughout the coming months.