A deal between the NHS and Falmouth School over thefuture of the Budock Hospital site is one stap closer after the sale was "agreed in principle".

Falmouth School want to sell their playing fields at Union Corner and use the proceeds to buy the hospital site from the NHS, and use the remaining funds to construct an all-weather sports facility for the use of the school and the whole community.

Unfortunately, complications and delays arose which threatened to jeopardise the deal and the project as a whole.

Following a debate in Parliament led by Falmouth and Truro MP Sarah Newton and a meeting chaired by her between representatives of Falmouth School, NHS Property Services and Cornwall Council, a deal has been agreed in principle which "benefits all parties and will allow for the sporting facilities to be built".

Mrs Newton said: “This is absolutely fantastic news, not only for Falmouth School and the NHS, but for the whole community. I’d like to thank Falmouth School’s Headteacher, Sandra Critchley, and the school governors for taking the lead on this excellent project. I know that as today was Sandra’s last day as Headteacher she will be doubly proud of this wonderful legacy for both the school and the community.

“I am also extremely grateful to Mr James Wakeham from NHS Property Services. Even though NHS Property Services has only recently launched, he and his colleagues have worked with me to find a solution. I am also grateful to Cornwall Council for all working together and ensuring that the best needs of the community are served.”

Mrs Critchley said: “It is wonderful to have reached this stage, securing the site in principle, and I would like to thank our MP Sarah Newton for her timely and effective intervention. This is really good news for the young people and wider community of Falmouth.”

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