CORNWALL Council had hoped to demolish the former Camelford Primary School building last year, but was prevented from doing so due of the presence of bats.

The news was revealed to Camelford Town Councillors at a meeting on Tuesday, March 20, a few days after a fire swept through the school building, causing severe damage.

The town council wrote to Cornwall Council about vandalism and the 'open-ness' of the building after PC Steve Stoppard attended a recent meeting and highlighted the problems being experienced.

Camelford Town Council received a reply on March 12.

The letter, from Peter Marsh, Head of Property, said: "I note your concerns regarding the condition of the former school buildings, and have recently been contacted directly by one of the Camelford based PCSOs concerning the same matter.

"As you may be aware, it was the council's intention to demolish the buildings last year precisely in order to avoid the current issues, but this was delayed by a report from the parish clerk of bats on the site."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.