College worries end with takeover

The Welsh College of Horticulture overlooks the Dee Estuary at Northop

The troubled Welsh College of Horticulture (WCOH) has been taken over by two other colleges after a loss of confidence in its financial management.

The WCOH site at Northop, Flintshire, will now be owned and used by Deeside College and the Wrexham-based North East Wales Institute (Newi).

Governors said the existing college would cease to exist, but had an "exciting new future".

The Welsh Assembly Government has welcomed the move as "great news".

Governors at the WCOH had faced removal earlier this year after Welsh assembly government ministers lost confidence in their ability to manage its finances.

However, it is understood no further action will be taken once the merger is complete.

Responsibility for further education and work-based learning will be transferred to Deeside College.

'Optimistic'

Newi hopes to establish a university campus delivering new higher education for school and college students.

A joint statement for the three bodies said: "The governors of the Welsh College of Horticulture recognise that the existing institution will cease to exist but are optimistic that the proposed development will allow an exciting new future for horticulture and land-based education to be developed."

Announcing the merger on Thursday, deputy minister for skills, John Griffiths AM, said: "We want a strong future for Northop.

"We are building strong foundations for the future of education with many colleges being recognised for the excellent educational provision that they provide. "

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version