A COMMUNITY group campaigning to secure the future of a former college in Abergavenny is calling on its owners to reconsider after a deal to sell the property collapsed.

Community Action to Save The Hill (CASH) wants Coleg Gwent to get back to the negotiating table after the deal, believed to be worth £2million, to sell the site to local businessman Dr Olinga Ta’eed fell through in January.

Dr Ta’eed planned to open Wales’ first residential ballet school Primo Balletto with space for 80 dance students.

He leased the building and opened the school in August but was forced to move out in January, blaming falling property prices over the past two years which meant the deal was no longer viable.

He said he offered to make up the gap between the asking price and his valuation on a deferred basis but this was refused.

Classes are continuing at the nearby Mulberry House, Pen y Pound. Parent, Duncan Fisher, whose two daughters attend classes, said he wants to see the site benefit the community and for the ballet school to continue.

"There is nothing like it in Wales and it offers a fantastic opportunity for children," he added.

A public meeting to discuss the site’s future is being held at St Michael’s Centre, Pen y Pound on Friday 25 February at 7.30pm. Speakers include Dr Ta’eed and Dr Nicola Perkins, director of Mulberry House and chair of the partnership at The Hill.

Reviewing options

A Coleg Gwent spokesman said it had extended the lease at no cost on several occasion prior to Dr Ta’eed's withdrawal from the agreement and that it will now review its options.

The proceeds from the sale will be re-invested in its seven sites.

He added that Coleg Gwent has invited CASH to discuss the current situation with Coleg Gwent this week and wants to hear from anyone with suggestions about the future of the site.