Harrow Crown Court has taken the step of closing its doors until further notice following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within its premises. The closure aims to ensure the safety of all visitors, staff, and legal personnel.
Situated on Hailsham Drive, just off Headstone Drive in Harrow, the court handles a wide array of legal cases that are vital to the region. However, the recent finding of RAAC within the building has raised concerns.
RAAC, a lightweight concrete variant, was commonly used in educational institutions between the mid 1960s and mid 1980s, primarily in roofs and sometimes in walls and floors. However, due to its lower strength compared to traditional concrete, it has raised safety concerns, prompting the government to issue new guidance for handling the risks it poses in buildings.
In light of the closure, cases originally scheduled at Harrow Crown Court will be relocated to alternative sites.
A note on the official website says: “We have temporarily closed the site as a safety measure due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. Cases will be heard at alternative sites to minimise disruption while we address this. Please check the daily list for information.”
