A NEW era of learning opportunities is moving a step closer at Delaware Primary School, where plans have been submitted for a community learning centre costing almost £1-million. Calstock Parish Council unanimously supported the proposals for the pioneering centre at its meeting on Tuesday night — the plan will be determined by Caradon District Council in the next few months. If the green light is given, work on the structure will begin in the autumn, with the intention of opening next spring. It will house a children's centre, being funded by Cornwall County Council, Delaware Pre-School, a mother and toddler group, a breakfast and tea club for primary school pupils, after-school activities, a community café, daytime adult education, homework club and a drop-in centre for young people. The centre will also be used by various agencies including social services and health visitors will make frequent visits, with one of the main focuses being on the family and children from conception to five years old. Treasurer of the learning centre and school governor Ginny Jackets said there would be support for vulnerable families and single mothers and courses on home skills like cooking. 'The aim is provide a centre which will give lifelong learning to the whole of the Calstock parish,' she said. 'In this parish there is nothing for young people — there have been various clubs but they have faded away. 'There has been overwhelming support for this scheme and we have a wonderful team of professional people involved.' Mrs Jackets said it had taken four years of work to get the £941,000 project to its present stage and she was confident that all the money would be found. She said some £250,000 had been pledged by Cornwall County Council for the children centre and other financial backers included Caradon District Council, which had earmarked £10,000. Applications were currently in with the Big Lottery Fund and other funding sources. 'We have a business plan and everything has been worked out thoroughly,' she said. 'We have many stakeholders and funding streams and there is a proven need for the services we will be providing. 'I cannot see anything failing but if one aspect does not seem to be working something else will take its place.' The learning centre will be separate to the school so it will be able to offer daily adult education classes and services during the weekends and holidays. It is anticipated there will be four new jobs in the first year with more to follow in subsequent years. It is expected to enhance the already good reputation of the school, which is the largest of the four in the Calstock parish.
