Seaside school is sold by Wakefield Council

Hornsea Outdoor Residential Centre has been a popular location for school trips, for children from the dsitrict, since it opened in 1937 but the council announced last year that it could no longer afford to run the centre.

And they have now accepted an offer for the building.

Local residents and parish councillors had been campaigning with the Hornsea Support Group had a bid to take on the running of the centre rejected in January.

The group said the need for opportunities for young people was stronger than ever due to the recession, and that this news was a further blow on top of the closure of Clarke Hall.

Secretary Stuart Boothman said: “It seems as though the council will sell anything of cultural and educational value. Once sold, it is gone forever - all our lives will be the poorer for it.”

Wakefield Council said it was currently finalising legal matters, and said the proposed new use would be care-related.

Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It is with great regret and reluctance that, after carefully considering the proposals put forward, we have decided to close Hornsea. We would like to give our thanks to the groups who put forward proposals.

“Due to the reduction in government grants and the ending of a subsidy by Wakefield Schools Forum the council could no longer afford to run the centre.”*