THE leader of the district council has laid the blame of the County Council s refusal to help purchase part of Rolle College s main campus squarely at the feet of Plymouth University and the Government.

THE leader of the district council has laid the blame of the County Council's refusal to help purchase part of Rolle College's main campus squarely at the feet of Plymouth University and the Government.

Miss Sara Randall Johnson, recently elected to County Hall, has previously put pressure on the County Council to dig deep into their pockets.

She said: "Of course I am bitterly disappointed that it has not been possible to secure this site...

"It is most unfortunate that the University of Plymouth has dragged its feet...due to the slow progress they have made, the financial backdrop has changed and in particular the Learning and Skills Council has seen its budget decimated by the Government."

She said it was 'obvious' that LSC funding was crucial as refurbishment costs would be nearly as much as the purchase price.

"With a lack of LSC funding ...an even greater funding burden than before falls on Devon County Council.

"Enhanced skills training in Exmouth are still very much a priority and we must be imaginative in finding investment that can help to deliver it.

"I will be pressing County Hall to redouble its efforts to find a way to improve education provision at the western end of the district.