DELIGHT and relief has come with the long-awaited opening of de Stafford School's new £1.5 million canteen block.
The "eyesore" former canteen – which was damp, rotting and about 50 years old – was finally replaced last week.
Years of frustration and delay culminated in Surrey County Council giving the project the financial go-ahead last year.
And on December 16, the sparkling new facility was officially opened.
Sally Marks, vice-chairman of Surrey County Council and the member for Caterham Valley ward, cut the ribbon before an audience of local dignitaries and members of the school community.
The first meals were served up the day before, following a series of stumbling blocks over achieving planning permission and obtaining funding.
The scheme received a jolt two years ago when Tandridge District Council officers objected to the potential loss of several mature trees.
That objection was subsequently overcome when the siting of the proposed block was moved slightly.
The open and spacious design of the new building will see the multi-use facility being used throughout the day by students – and by local community groups during the evening and at weekends.
Potential uses could vary from school assemblies to adult education classes, a baby cafe and disability group meetings.
Head teacher Jeremy Garner said: "We are delighted that the students finally have a canteen that is fit for purpose and one which will also double-up as an invaluable multi-use hall, greatly enhancing our facilities.
"The school community has been extremely patient during this long-running saga.
"It will only truly be over once the old canteen, a horrendous eyesore, is demolished in the new year and the area is landscaped.
"We are extremely grateful to Surrey County Council for providing the school with this much needed investment in its environment."
Back in 2011 Caroline Longhurst, head teacher at the time, said: "The kitchen block has become a horrendous eyesore.
"Part of it was shut down (in 2009) because it was in a bad state, but the students never complained about the disruption."
