DIRECTORS of a company especially set up by campaigners to try and secure part of Rolle College for the community have been in talks with potential buyers.

DIRECTORS of a company especially set up by campaigners to try and secure part of Rolle College for the community have been in talks with potential buyers.

The campus was put up for sale last Christmas after Devon County Council last September reneged on a previous commitment to help buy part of the college for use as a post 16 college.

Now the deadline for bids by developers to purchase the Rolle campus, In Douglas Avenue, has now closed.

Under the open tender process bids had to be in to Plymouth University by May 27.

Group Rolle Exmouth Ltd has been trying to secure some or the entire site for community use with ideas like a reference library, conference centre, offices, a post 16 college and catering college already proposed.

Campaigner Jenny Budden said Rolle Exmouth Ltd had the power to raise capital if an agreement could be made with a buyer.

She said: "Rolle Exmouth Ltd is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society, so the company can issue shares to raise capital to lease or buy Rolle's campus buildings.

"Plymouth University kindly put a letter with the tender documents suggesting that potential bidders talk to the community about our plans.

"As a result the Rolle Exmouth Ltd directors have talked to a number of potential bidders about parts of the Rolle site being retained for post-16 education, community use and to support the economic regeneration of Exmouth, especially by providing office accommodation and small workshops."

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