CONCERNS that work on the new science and technology extension at Holsworthy Community College had ground to a halt were raised by a resident at Holsworthy's Annual Town's Meeting on Thursday, April 16.

Crispin King said: "All the money that they had to spend has been spent and the building has come to a complete grinding halt."

However, Principal at the college, David Fitz­simmons, explained: "The project has always been designed to be completed in three phases."

Phase one, which began at Easter last year, included the foundations and installation of services. Mr Fitzsimmons said phase one had been funded by £36,000, which had been raised locally, and £114,000 from the Department of Education.

Phase two was the completion of a watertight and weatherproof shell. This phase, which has now been completed, was funded by the school using Devolved Formula Capital (DFC). DFC is allocated to primary and secondary schools to be spent on their priorities in respect of buildings, ICT and other capital need.

Mr Fitzsimmons said they were now looking for money for the internal refit — phase three. He said this may be able to be completed by September 2009 or the work may have to be staggered over a longer period of time.

However, he added: "I'm optimistic that if not for September 2009, but in the near future, I hope we will get funding from the county for phase three."

Mr Fitzsimmons paid tribute to school governor Des Shadrick who sadly passed away Saturday night. Mr Fitzsimmons said Cllr Shadrick had given £10,000 from the sale of Exeter Airport to the college for the

extension.

The extension will provide the college with two new science labs and two new design and technology spaces.