EVER since the Government began its huge school building and renovation programme, I have been pressing for sprinkler systems to be fitted in new school buildings.
The Local Government Association, the Fire Brigades' Union and chief fire officers across the country have supported the use of sprinklers to reduce fire damage in schools.
Now Britain's largest teachers union, the NUT, has put its weight behind the campaign.
Sadly, Kent County Council's Tory administration has dragged its heels over the issue, claiming the building regulations don't say that sprinklers have to be fitted.
But Kent County Council is the body which runs our schools and gives planning permission for schools.
They could easily make sprinklers standard in all new school buildings. The cost is tiny when compared to rebuilding a school and modern systems tackle the seat of the fire, stopping the fire spreading.
It's time the Tory gentry on Kent County Council saw a bit of common sense.
Brian Wood
Deputy Labour Group Leader
Kent Fire & Rescue Service Authority
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