RAAC crumbling concrete: All BCP buildings being assessed

Cllr Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said the authority is carrying out checks across all BCP buildings, including those leased out to third parties. 

She said there is “no evidence” that any buildings in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are affected at the moment. 

However, should that change, the public will be made aware. 

Cllr Slade said: “Every single building that's owned by the council is being checked to see if it has any sort of concrete in it and it will be investigated [if it does]. 

“We're expecting the full programme of works to be completed within about six weeks where we will be able to confirm whether there is any RAAC.  

“Obviously if there is RAAC in the building, then that isn't necessarily an indicator that it's dangerous – it just indicates further investigation.  

“There's no evidence at the moment we have any impact from that, but we will absolutely make that public if that happens.” 

The collapse-risk reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) is currently at the centre of a crisis in school buildings across the country. 

BCP Council own around 110 properties including the town hall, cafes, libraries, leisure centres and Highcliffe Castle.

So far, no schools in the BCP area are known to be affected. 

Nationally, the collapse-risk concrete at the centre of a crisis in school buildings has been found in Parliament.

The presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) poses no "immediate risk", a parliamentary spokesman said.

It comes as ministers remain under pressure over the issue, with concerns about the state of school buildings sparking anxiety about the presence of Raac in other publicly-owned buildings and infrastructure.

"As part of routine ongoing investigations, Raac was identified in one area of the Palace.

"Structural engineers have confirmed there is no immediate risk. Where RAAC is found, mitigations will be put in place as necessary," the spokesman said.