College receives £1.5m grant to upgrade buildings

Accrington and Rossendale College has been awarded a £1.5m grant to invest in upgrading its college buildings.

It is part of a government scheme to repair leaky roofs, broken windows and dilapidated buildings in Further Education (FE) colleges.

It is hoped it will enable colleges to attract and retain students.

Hyndburn MP, Sarah Smith, said: "With this money, our local college will be able to improve their technical education offer and meet the skills needed for our local employers."

"Nothing is more important to me than making sure that every young person in Hyndburn and Haslingden has the opportunity to fulfil their potential," she said.

"We are absolutely committed to breaking down all of the barriers to opportunity for our young people and this is one step of many in achieving this"

Skills minister, Jacqui Smith, said: "FE colleges are vital to our mission to grow the economy.

"They are at the heart of training the next generation of skilled workers.

"But the FE college estate we inherited is in need of repairs to extend the life of college buildings.

"This funding addresses these issues, allowing colleges to focus on what they do best: breaking down barriers to opportunity by teaching the next generation in buildings fit for purpose."

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