The far reaching consequences of Brexit uncertainty have made it to Helston, with the town council deciding to delay any decision over investments until the situation is resolved.

Seven years after selling community building 3 Penrose Road to CAST, in 2012, the town council is still trying to work out what do with the proceeds.

Due to conditions placed on the building by its benefactor, John Passmore Edwards, in 1897, two thirds of the £165,000 sale price is restricted by an act of parliament that states the money can only be spent on “scientific and technical instruction."

The council has spent the last seven years trying to find a way around this act, in order to spend the money in the most beneficial way possible, without restrictions.

Councillors thought they may have come up with an idea that would be acceptable, but at a meeting of the finance committee last week members were told the legal advice was that it would not conform to the act.

Discussions took place behind closed doors, due to the confidential nature of the business, and so the specific details of the idea are not known.

At the same meeting, town clerk Chris Dawson went on to suggest that the council considered making a longer-term investment with the money, while it continued to look for a permanent solution.

However, councillors decided it would be safer to leave the money where it is in the current climate.

Mr Dawson told the Packet: "Because of Brexit and uncertainties with what would fall out of Brexit, our safest bet is to leave the money in a secure place, so there's no danger in it losing its value.

"Once Brexit has unfolded and everything has settled down they'll look again."

It was agreed to re-consider the idea of long-term investment in six months' time.

The building, originally a Science and Arts School, then Helston County Secondary School known as the "Green School" for the colour of its uniforms, became a community centre in later years before it was sold to the Cornubian Arts and Science Trust (CAST). It has now been restored into improved community facilities for art-based events, along with a cafe, and rented artist studios.