THE Government has approved the sale of Burton Manor, the Neston Grade II listed former adult education college that closed after racking up debts of £1.6m.

Liverpool City Council spent £284,000 subsidising Burton Manor last year, even though only 158 adult students from the city were taught at the college, which offered residential courses.

It closed at the end of March after the council told governors it was cutting their budget by 25% in 2011 and a further 25% the year after.

Government approval was needed before the building and its extensive grounds could be sold.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has now authorised the sale and Liverpool council hopes to sell it privately or by auction.

Talks are being held with the University of Chester in a bid to continue the educational use of the building.

The building was originally owned by Henry Neville Gladstone, third son of former Prime Minister William Gladstone

Burton Manor opened as a college in 1948 and offered courses ranging from photography to literature, music and dance at evenings and on residential weekends.

Its establishment involved a number of public authorities, including Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bootle, Cheshire, Lancashire, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council.

But Liverpool City Council is the only one which continued to support it by agreeing to underwrite its annual deficit.

It became less popular in recent times, partly because it only offered basic accommodation, compared with more luxurious venues elsewhere.

The venue would require considerable investment before it could be used by the university.

Cllr Nick Small, head of the college’s governors, said the council hopes to sell the building as soon as possible.

“It is good news that the council can move forward on this,” he said.

“Burton Manor is a magnificent building, but unfortunately we could no longer justify keeping it open to offer adult education courses.”