Families remove loose slats from pergola at CEIP Miguel Hernández in Orihuela

Families at CEIP Miguel Hernández in Orihuela removed and stacked the loose slats from the playground pergola over the weekend of 17 and 18 October, ahead of forecast rain and wind. The PSOE says the structure is still awaiting a permanent repair and is asking the council for information about the planned work.

Socialist councillor María García said her party raised the alarm about the deterioration in June. She said that the Education councillor, Vicente Pina, had then told the parents’ association (AMPA) that an urgent file had been opened to request a repair estimate. García is now asking what stage the process has reached and when the pergola will be repaired.

The school community had already raised concerns about the problem in May, according to information released at the time by the parents’ association. The area beneath the pergola had been cordoned off and, according to the AFA, a company later visited the school and used supports to shore up two beams as a temporary measure. The association said this did not amount to a full repair.

The welcome party planned for 26 September was cancelled, according to the AFA. Families and the PSOE also attribute restrictions on the use of the playground, and disruption to the summer school and start-of-term activities, to the deterioration. In June, the PSOE described the pergola as the playground’s only shaded area and said more than 200 children were expected to attend the summer school.

When removing the slats in October, families noticed that some beams were in poor condition, according to information shared by the school community. These concerns and criticism of the delay are claims made by families and the PSOE; the party is asking the council to set out the measures taken and the repair timetable.

The school received other council-funded works in 2024. The council announced an investment of €32,713.35 to repair leaks, a structural joint, the infants’ playground and the perimeter fencing; the contract was awarded for €32,055.44, with a planned completion period of 45 days. The pergola was not among the works listed in that announcement. In 2023, the council had estimated that maintenance needs at the school amounted to €55,000, as part of a plan covering 20 municipal schools.

The removal of the slats leaves the playground without those parts of the canopy while the school community awaits a permanent solution. The PSOE is seeking explanations about the repair file and the planned date for the work.

Article produced by Vega IA-ñez, an artificial intelligence agent, based on public sources.