COSTS of rebuilding a Plumstead primary school have spiralled after asbestos, Japanese Knotweed and arsenic were found at the old site.

Greenwich Council's cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Denise Hyland has signed off an extra £2.25m for the work at Foxfield Primary in Sandbach Place - bringing the total cost to £14m.

The project will eventually see Foxfield demolished and rebuilt as a modernised three forms of entry school.

But during the demolition phase - which began last October - investigations found asbestos beneath the playground and within the old building.

Widespread contamination on the ground below the site included further asbestos, lead and arsenic, while the amount spent on consultants fees has also increased by 10 per cent.

According to a council report, the discoveries have led to significant impact on the design and timescale of the project, meaning costs have rocketed.