WEST Cheshire College Principal Sara Mogel has thanked MPs for their support during the College’s new build funding crisis.
The College’s c£70 million building project, designed to upgrade facilities at both the Chester and Ellesmere Port Campuses, almost ground to a halt because of a funding problem by the LSC, who had over-promised cash to hundreds of FE Colleges around the country.
With the support of Chester MP Christine Russell and Ellesmere Port MP Andrew Miller, who worked behind the scenes to ensure the needs of the College and the extent of the work already carried out were understood at the highest level, the College was granted its promised funds last week.
It was one of just 13 Colleges, out of a list of around 200 promised financial support, to receive the money.
Chester MP Christine Russell said: “It’s been a nerve-wracking wait for all of us so I was delighted when the news eventually came through that the College had got the funding required to go ahead with this essential project.
“West Cheshire needs and deserves 21st century learning facilities to ensure we stay competitive in a demanding and ever-changing economic environment.
“These tremendous new facilities will help West Cheshire College to continue its long tradition of flexibility which enables it to respond to the needs of the learning and training needs of individuals and businesses.
“This will be a tremendous bonus to the communities the College serves.”
The announcement was met with great delight and relief by College staff.
Principal Sara Mogel said: “The last few months have been an incredibly anxious time for all of us at the College so the sense of relief is overwhelming.
“We could not have done this without the unending support of our two key MPs, Christine Russell and Andrew Miller, so we are very grateful for their continued support and work behind the scenes.
“That period of anxiety is now behind us and we are all looking forward to see the work on both Campuses continue in earnest.”
