MP supports school’s building campaign

GEOFFREY Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon has told Appledore Primary School he will support its campaign for new buildings.

He has held talks with Head Teacher Jean Cobbett, some of the school governors, and local county councillor Andrew Eastman to discuss the deteriorating state of school buildings.

The MP was given a tour of the school and took the opportunity to discuss the challenges both teachers and pupils face as a result of the poor facilities.

With almost 250 pupils, the school is at full capacity, and while it has a good record of results, the 20-year old temporary classrooms, which make up most of the teaching areas, will not last much longer.

The children suffer over-crowding, very inconsistent classroom temperatures and heavy condensation, and have to go outside in all weathers and walk to the main building to reach the toilets and school hall.

Mr Cox said: “This is one of the worst cases I have seen in my constituency, and I will be writing to the Leader of Devon County Council and the Lead Member for Schools in order to raise my concerns.

“Appledore School was rated as excellent in its last Ofsted review and so it is a credit to our area, it is just such a shame that the buildings do not come close to matching the excellent standard of teaching at this school.

“I will certainly do all I can to help, and have encouraged the Head Teacher, governors, and parents to get involved in the campaign to get the funding this school so badly needs