Education Minister Randy Horton last night urged parents of CedarBridge Academy students to visit him personally if they have health concerns connected with mould at the school.

Mr. Horton was responding to allegations by Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson that some students had been made sick by mould at the school but were too "afraid" to speak out.

"I don't buy that," Mr. Horton told The Royal Gazette. "If any parent is afraid, tell them they can come and see me anytime. I think it's ludicrous."

He said he had spoken to hundreds of parents at two meetings since he closed the school down for environmental health reasons on November 1 and not one had mentioned their child being poorly.

Mr. Horton added that he had no information on any child being diagnosed with illness due to the mould now being removed from 20 classrooms at the Island's largest public school.

A number of teachers at the school are known to have fallen ill due to the environment, with some having since sought legal representation.

One teacher stopped work there more than two years ago, as revealed by this newspaper earlier this week, because she was debilitated by the atmosphere.

Mr. Horton reminded parents that they can e-mail the Ministry of Education at CBAmoed.bm or call 278-3304 with any queries or concerns.

"They don't have to give their name if they are really worried," he said. CedarBridge students continue to be taught at the old Berkeley Institute and Bermuda College until the school reopens, estimated to be in the New Year.