LAST week’s sale of the former Bega West site drew plenty of community interest and discussion (BDN, 11/7).

The site was purchased through Elders Bega by a partnership that has hopes for developing it in to a child care centre.

While the idea of a child care facility was welcomed by many, questions were raised as to why the school was closed in the first place if it could be now seen as suitable for children once more.

A spokesman for the Department of Education responded to BDN questions and confirmed Bega West was “never deemed unsuitable for a school” and the use of the school as a Bega Bypass site office was not discussed before the closure.

“Bega West Public School was amalgamated with Bega Public School after community consultation to create Bega Valley Public School from the start of 2012, because of the greater educational opportunities that could be offered after amalgamation,” the spokesman said.

“Decisions about the use of the site after the school closed were made after the closure.”