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Pent Valley College closure: Pent Valley Leisure Centre faces uncertain future during consultation says manager

A leisure centre manager is warning customers of an uncertain future while Kent County Council consults over whether to close the school it is annexed to.

Education chiefs announced this week the council was proposing to close Pent Valley College in Folkestone due to falling pupil numbers, poor exam results and rising debt.

But Pent Valley Leisure Centre (PVLC) on the Surrenden Road site might also be closed, manager Scott Bechelli said.

The school could close as early as next September. Picture: Simon Burchett
The school could close as early as next September. Picture: Simon Burchett

Mr Bechelli wrote to customers yesterday saying it is "unclear as to how the leisure centre would be affected".

A report which will be discussed by county councillors on Tuesday recognises "the importance of PVLC to the local community".

But it adds if the school does close options for the leisure centre's future "would be explored with other local partners including local schools and colleges, and Shepway District Council".

Mr Bechelli said: "The future is still uncertain, however it is clear from the statement, as well as confirmation from the Chair of Governors of Pent Valley, that it is hoped that PVLC will remain open, even if the school were to close.

KCC is consulting over whether to close Pent Valley College
KCC is consulting over whether to close Pent Valley College

"As yet, no final decision on the future of the school has been made.

"For now we are open as usual and we will be making every effort to ensure that we remain that way."

A petition to save the school from closure has already been set up and has gained more than 400 signatures.

It is asking KCC to keep the school open and calls on parents to sign to help towards the decision of students' futures.

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