Pressing case for Helston Community College ‘C block’ re-build

The MP for West Cornwall, Andrew George, will lead a delegation from Helston College and Cornwall Council to meet Schools Minister, David Laws MP, tomorrow – Wednesday 9th October.

Mr George has called for the meeting to seek Government support for the rebuild of one of the main teaching blocks at Helston Community College (C Block); a 60 year old curtain walled, flat-roofed building with ‘inherent deficiencies’, a leaking roof, and the ‘high risk’ of asbestos fibre release.

The Community College had been told by the then Conservative led Cornwall Council in July 2012 that it would support the rebuild at a cost of £10 million, though it had not at the time identified where the money would come from. On discovering that there was no money for the project the new Council promised to review the project and seek alternative monies.  Mr George has invited both the Council and the College to join him at the meeting to make the case for Government assistance for the project.

Mr George, who is a former pupil of the School, said:  “The serious concerns about the condition of the Block have gone on for many years. Although the School is doing well in spite of these challenges, it is having a detrimental impact on students and teaching. There is also a potentially serious risk that it could adversely affect the welfare and health of students and teachers if the issues are not addressed.

“Although the Government does not presently have a fund which could assist I felt that the Minister should be appraised of the problems.  I remain hopeful that, with the assistance of the Minister, we can find a way of achieving a positive outcome for the College.”