THE head teacher of Looe Community school, Mrs Helga Turner, has hailed as a great success, the public meeting held to discuss the school's ambition to acquire 'Arts' status.
There was much support from the 150 people in attendance who listened intently to Sean Keeney, architect from Kensington Taylor, who presented the outline plans of the structures which would be built on the north side of the present car park. These would include a theatre for 250 with high tech sound and light systems, and dance, drama and music facilities.
Mrs Turner explained that the school had to raise 'new' money amounting to £50,000 from the local community by October, when the plan would be presented to the Government's Department of Education. If they agreed to the bid they would then add a further £100,000 and would present the plan as a capital project to other funding bodies. If successful this could amount to an investment in Looe of over £1million.
Deputy mayor Wally Scarah, in pledging town council support, said if everyone of Looe's 7,000 residents pledged £1 a week for 10 weeks the money would be raised. 'This is not an insurmountable sum' he said.
Mrs Turner said that some people may ask 'What's in it for us, the fishermen and the farmers?'. She said she believes the arts status would provide Looe with a prestigious complex which would lift the community by having something so worthwhile. 'It will be a tremendous asset, staffed by experts, which other secondary and primary schools in the area will be able to resource' she said, 'and if our bid is successful we could be up and running within two years'.
Among the many who spoke in support were former pupil Julie Skentelbery, now a TV presenter. More than 50 letters have also been received from past pupils and parents, all of which will accompany October's bid.