Renewed hope for Sixth Form College

There is renewed hope that the proposed town centre Sixth Form College will go ahead as planned following a summit meeting between Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin and the Minister for Further Education Sion Simon MP.

The two local MPs emerged from the meeting confident that the future of the planned college is secure.

Last month the college plans were thrown up in the air as news emerged that funding for 42 college buildings across the country had been frozen due to the current financial climate.

A meeting of the Learning and Skills Council will take place later this month and it is believed that the Rochdale Sixth Form College is 'highly likely' to get the go ahead.

Paul Rowen MP said: "I am delighted that Ministers have listened to the case that both I and Jim Dobbin MP put forward. It is vitally important that Rochdale doesn't experience any delays and I look forward to a positive announcement as soon as possible."

Jim Dobbin MP said: "I am pleased that the funding for the sixth form college, and the redevelopment of Hopwood Hall College along with the 16+ skills centre in Heywood is secure and the exciting new provision across the 16+ sector can go ahead."

Rochdale Council's Acting Leader Councillor Irene Davidson said: "This is encouraging news and I thank our MPs for taking such swift action and putting our case forward.

"I am certain that our exciting plans are a step closer to reality as a result of this meeting. In the current climate, any big expenditure comes under the microscope and I think the intervention of our MPs has made a big difference."

Councillor Colin Lambert, leader of Rochdale's Labour Councillors, said: "It was important that we all worked together on securing the future provision for all our students at 16+. It would not have made sense for any part of the planned improvements not to go ahead."