Proposal to shut college campus is ‘a major blow’

A LEADING rural organisation has criticised the proposed closure of Askham Bryan College’s Newton Rigg campus.

Dorothy Fairburn, Northern Director of the CLA, said: “The proposed closure of Newton Rigg College represents a major blow for every student, apprentice and employee at the college which has played an historic part as an incubator for young people wanting to pursue a career in the countryside.”

York-based Askham Bryan College, which runs the Cumbrian campus, made the decision about the site following an independent review which found it was not financially viable.

Askham Bryan CEO and Principal Tim Whitaker said the review, which was carried out between March and May, confirmed the campus is not financially viable from the college’s perspective.

It would require ongoing investment to keep pace with industry skills.

He went on to say that given the current economic climate, and the fact that no capital or revenue funding is available, the college was left with no other option but to propose closing the site in July 2021.

A consultation with college staff is currently underway.

However the college did say this timing gave a “window of opportunity” for an alternative group or organisation to provide a potential solution, with a “high level of support” expressed for Newton Rigg by various Cumbrian organisations and groups.

Mrs Fairburn welcomed the 12-month window saying it was the CLA’s “sincere hope” that a solution can be found to secure the college’s future.