Cornwall Council's latest proposals for outdoor education sites across the Duchy are set to include closing three of the four centres currently in operation.

As previously reported in The Packet, Cornwall Council have entered into a consultation about the future of the Cornwall Outdoors service, which runs outdoor education centres in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Cornwall Outdoors is part of Cornwall Council and provides opportunities for outdoor education and learning to schools and youth groups from sites at Delaware, Carnyorth, Porthpean, and a summer camp at Pelistry on the Isles of Scilly.

However, under the council's latest proposals, unless an alternate provider can be found, all the sites will be closed by March 2022.

Cornwall Council has also said, in its attempts to find an alternate provider, it will be looking to 'maximise the opportunity' by closing the Delaware, Carnyorth and Pelistry sites so that the sole focus would be on the Porthpean centre.

A public consultation has been set up and residents, schools, and community groups have been able to access the council's plans since December 1 and will have until January 9 to make their views known.

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In its consultation questionnaire, Cornwall Council states: "The Council is not in a financial position to maintain the current provision of outdoor education sites.

"We are proposing to cease operating our services at all Cornwall Outdoors sites by 31st March 2022.

"Outdoor education centres are an integral part of supporting high quality education and learning.

"Cornwall Council does not have a statutory duty to provide outdoor education but wants provision to be available in Cornwall.

"Changes in the funding landscape for education have made it more challenging for local authorities to maintain outdoor education centres.

"As public sector funding levels are reduced, and education budgets are redirected from Councils to schools Cornwall Council can’t afford to subsidise the provision of outdoor education and carry the financial risks.

"Our aim is to find an alternative provider to continue operating the Porthpean site for outdoor education purposes.

"However, if we are unable to find an alternative provider willing to operate the site, we may have to close the site permanently."

To have your say on Cornwall Council's proposals, visit: letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall-outdoors