La Mare 'let down by delays'

Deputy Sillars, who issued a public apology for the decision by the States, said he was left 'upset, hurt and sad' for everyone at the high and primary schools, after warning deputies that the rebuild would be set back for at least a year.

Disappointment was clear among head teachers at both schools, who warned of the huge impact fresh delays would have.

Deputy Sillars vowed to meet today with officers to see if there was a 'glimmer' of hope of making urgent progress, as they face up to the prospect of the independent review. 'I would like to apologise to all students, parents and teachers who have been let down,' he said.

'This means, as it stands today, an extra year for students working in a derelict building, which is not fit for purpose. While I'm very upset, hurt and sad for the students, parents and teachers, I ask myself is there a glimmer of hope we can get back on track and, if so, it is my duty to go for it.'

After over a day-and-a-half of impassioned debate, Education's proposals were subject to two successful amendments. The first was from the chief minister seeking to add the extra review of the size, scope and specification of the design, following concerns from Treasury and Resources over value for money.

It was followed by an eleventh- hour amendment, led by Deputy Al Brouard, that aimed to ensure Education maintained some control over the proposals and would be responsible for returning to the States with the new report, following the review findings.