Brooklands College, Ashford Campus

Brooklands College, Ashford Campus, formerly Spelthorne College. Recent news of closure of the college was a real shock to me. I had written to the right honourable Lord Peter Mandelson at the beginning of July this year, and received a reply in August saying that the LSC would ensure that no college is unable to meet its financial obligations as a result of decisions that have had to be made on capital. It also stated that the project could be prioritised in preparation for the next spending round, and that the LSC and AoC were exploring ways for colleges to access private finance. I took this as positive news, and so the news that the governors of Brooklands College have made the decision to close the college was a real blow. With three of my four children having attended the Ashford college, and the fourth hoping to when old enough, I am in the same position as many other local parents of having no sixth form college in the borough, or within a decent travelling distance. Along with cuts to public transport, how on earth are these young people to access further education in this part of the county, especially as it will soon be compulsory up to the age of 18. Parents, children, and staff at the college, rightly feel badly treated by the government, the LSC, and to some extend the governors of Brooklands College. Retailers in the town also fear for the sustainability of the town if the college was to close, as it brings much trade to, and encouraged many new retailers into the town. There is as much concern about what will happen to the building, as there is about the future education of the children, with residents fearing apartments blocks being built in place of the college. It has also been said that if the borough planning committee had not taken so long to determine the application, the college may not be in this position, 6 months may have made a difference. But what is done is done, and the most important thing now is for all parties to find a solution, and one that is best for the young people and their education, they are our future. Perhaps if the Surrey MP's were not too busy fretting about their expenses, they might get together to help. Maybe it's time education was taken out of the hands of politicians, and run by local areas themselves? To listen to the interview on BBC Radio Surrey at 08:10 this morning, check on the BBC iplayer, or listen again on the BBC website/Radio Surrey.