CAMPAIGNERS battling to relaunch Dunsfold Village School are hopeful they have made an offer that can’t be refused.

Dunsfold Church of England Infant School was closed against the wishes of the village in 2004 and campaigners have been fighting moves by joint freeholders Guildford Diocese and Surrey County Council to release it from a binding condition it remains in use for educational purposes.

Villagers mounted a successful appeal at the Charity Tribunal in 2011, which ruled any future use should give preferential consideration to the provision of a school in Dunsfold.

Some villagers feared the grade II listed building could be lost for community use when it was advertised ‘for sale’ before Christmas.

But the invitation for offers of interest in the site includes offers for a long-term lease for school use – subject to the 2011 Charity Commission Scheme as amended by the Charity Tribunal.

Dunsfold Village School Trust (DVST) trustee Alan Ground said: “The scheme requires preference to be given to offers for a 125-year lease of the site for school use.

“The DVST submitted such an offer in its response to the advertisement on January 31.

“The response provides background information and refers to previous offers made by DVST since 2013,” Mr Ground added.

“A copy of the response was sent to the Charity Commission, who are monitoring compliance with the scheme by Guildford Diocesan board of finance as trustee for the Dunsfold Church of England School Trust.”