Jill Cowley, who organised the site visit for former pupils to Yarmouth School shares this report from the day. In her own words. Ed
At Friday evening’s well-attended School site visit, Yarmouth TC’s School Site Working Group members, who are looking into the future use of the site, met with IW Councillors Debbie Andre (Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills) and Chris Jarman ( Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance).
Started dialogue about possible uses
Meeting the IW Council’s decision-makers allowed YTCs Working Group to open discussions on some of the suggestions from the local community.
Nick Whittle of Whittle Marine discussed using the site to train apprentices in building traditional wooden boats with the group and Cllr Andre, who appropriately, had just launched National Apprenticeship Week.
Impact school closure had on local businesses
Local business owners were able to explain the impact on their businesses the school closure has brought, which needs to be addressed for the economic health of the town.
Working Group
The Working Group has now met three times in the last four weeks and will continue to invite people from the community who are helping formulate a plan and business case for retaining the site as a local community asset.
Get in touch
Let Yarmouth Town Council know your views on the future use of the School site by contacting the Clerk: email [email protected], phone (01983) 527093 or by letter Yarmouth Town Council care of CHOYD St James Street Yarmouth.
Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, has been invited to meet the Steering Group.
Image: L-R Thomas Cowley YTC, Louise Metcalfe Isle of Wight Scouts, Nick Whittle of Whittle Marine, IW Councillor Debbie Andre, IW Councillor Chris Jarman, John Caulcutt CBE, Steve Cowley YTC
