EDUCATION in Northwich has been dealt a ‘body blow’ after plans to demolish Hartford's college campus were approved, says MP Mike Amesbury.

The Weaver Vale MP has fiercely opposed the plans since they were first announced in 2018 – prompting a petition and meetings with college leadership and the Secretary of State.

As a last resort, Mike also called for the Warrington and Vale Royal College principal Nichola Newton to resign, but says his pleas to rethink the decision 'fell on deaf ears'.

And yesterday, Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the plans which will see the college buildings demolished and 108 homes built in its place.

IN FULL >>> Councillors approve plans to demolish Hartford college campus

Mike said: “The FE sector has been devastated by government cuts, losing 25 per cent of its funding.

“The government has also liberalised the planning laws which makes it easier for developments like this to get through – there are consequences to how people vote.

Northwich Guardian:

“Despite me calling on the FE Commissioner to intervene, it was clear the government had given this scheme its tacit approval as it simply sat on its hands.”

The demolition of the campus follows 92 per cent of the courses being moved to the Warrington or Winsford campuses, with a £7.5 million, eight-year-old sports and arts centre among the building to be flattened.

Mike, who is currently in Parliament, added: “It’s a devastating body blow to education in Northwich, there’s no getting around that fact.

“My postbag has been filled with concerns from parents and students ever since this was first announced.

“I worked as a careers advisor before becoming an MP and I know how important further education is for our young people.

“As well as the academic route, FE offers vocational routes which opens a lot of doors to those who, for example, don’t want to go to university.

Northwich Guardian:

“A town’s education picture is a rich tapestry and sadly now part of that has been ripped out in Northwich.”

He also raised concerns about the pressures on infrastructure in the area.

“Hartford is already under significant strain," Mike said.

"Pressures on local services, not to mention the basics of just getting around in rush hour, are a clear issue and something my constituents have got real concerns about.

“There’s a pledge by developers to invest in infrastructure with these proposals and I’ll be keeping a close eye to ensure those promises are met.”

He added that he hoped Warrington and Vale Royal college would retain some offer of education in Northwich – a possibility raised by councillors in 2018 after the closure was announced.

“There was talk of retaining some adult education courses in Northwich, I’d very much hope that at the very least the college can retain some provision in the town, it would be the least they can do.”