MORE than 2,080 people have now joined a campaign to ensure a secondary school closed over asbestos concerns is reopened.

The Save Cwmcarn High School petition was set up on November 29 to urge the Welsh Government and Caerphilly council to secure the long-term future of Cwmcarn High School.

Governors at the foundation school ordered their own asbestos survey in December, saying they weren't completely satisfied with the findings from the study commissioned by the council, which closed the school in October.

Though they are still awaiting the full outcome of the assessment, head teacher Jacqui Peplinski told pupils and parents in an end of term letter that they hoped large parts of the school could soon reopen.

Governors are in talks with the Health and Safety Executive, which will be involved in any decision making.

The school closed on October 12 after a report by Santia Asbestos Management Ltd said there was evidence of widespread asbestos contamination within ceiling voids. They recommended demolishing the affected buildings.

The school was closed for a week to sixth form pupils and two weeks for all others before the entire 900-plus pupil school was moved to the former Coleg Cwent's Ebbw Vale campus.

Pupils are being transported there and back in coaches and this week free late buses were put on, allowing up to 100 pupils to attend revision clubs and after school clubs.

Mrs Peplinski has always maintained that the aim was to return to Cwmcarn in the long term and she is encouraging all those in favour to show their support via the petition.

Sign it at www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-cwmcarn-high-school.html