Copeland MP Trudy Harrison says she is confident the takeover of Whitehaven Academy will still go ahead, despite delays.

The politician, who has been fighting for improvements at the academy, said it was complex.

It was announce yesterday that the takeover of the troubled academy has been delayed due to legal issues.

Cumbria Education Trust (CET) had planned to take control of the school from Bright Tribe Trust yesterday, but were unable to get the deal over the line in time – but CET insists it's still committed to the move.

Following the announcement, Mrs Harrison said: “This is the most comprehensive re-brokerage in the Department for Education’s academisation history so I understand there will be complex issues to deal with.

“I would like to thank all students and staff and their families for their patience and of course Cumbria Education Trust for their dedication.

“I am focused on the better days ahead with a much needed, brand new school for Whitehaven Academy.”

The academy has been plagued with problems in recent years, including asbestos issues, inadequate buildings, teacher strikes and poor results.

In September, a BBC Panorama programme raised a series of money issues at the academy, which is run by Bright Tribe.

However, the Department for Education is now making a “substantial” capital investment to give the academy a fresh start.

The project will see the majority of the existing school buildings demolished and rebuilt and it is expected this will be completed by the end of 2020.