The public is being asked to participate in an in-depth investigation into the November closure of CedarBridge Academy.

The school was closed on November 1, 2006 after a number of teachers were taken ill due to mould. A major cleanup was ordered by Education Minister Randy Horton. In December he revealed that principal Kalmar Richards and the board "received reports of a mouldy smell in the library and in the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts" in December 2002.

Mr. Horton also set up an independent panel in December to investigate the circumstances which led to the closure of the Island's largest senior school.

Yesterday, Mr Horton said the panel had conducted numerous in-depth interviews with the key stakeholders and was about to enter the final phase of its work.

A Government spokesman said: "Before concluding the assessment, the Panel wishes to invite submissions from members of the public who may have relevant information and/or concerns."

The spokesman said the public has until February 26 to submit an outline in a brief email or letter describing the nature of their information and any supporting material.

The public can send their letters to the panel's chairman Dr. Kamoji Wachiira at Freisenbruch-Meyer, c/o the receptionist 75 Front Street, Hamilton HM12 or email him at kwachiira:"building.org.

CedarBridge reopened on January 3.