06 October 2009

Murphy urges rethink on college plans

Coleg Gwent should rethink and revisit its plans to close A-Level and other courses at its Pontypool Campus, Torfaen MP Paul Murphy said today.

Mr Murphy is responding to the consultation on the sustainability action plan for Coleg Gwent and he has written to the college’s Principal Howard Burton outlining his misgivings on the proposals.

The Torfaen MP is very concerned that young people from North Torfaen could be seriously disadvantaged if plans go ahead.

In his letter to Mr Burton, Mr Murphy said: “As you know, I was deeply troubled by the intention to close down the A-Level provision, access to nursing and hairdressing courses at Pontypool. I am particularly disturbed that closure of these courses would have a detrimental effect on young people living in the North of Torfaen. You are aware of the social and economic nature of the northern wards of the county borough, and that financial and transport obstacles could well lead to young people deciding not to pursue post-16 education. This, in my view, would be calamitous.

Mr Murphy told the Principal that he does not underestimate the financial problems of the college, and welcomed both the extra £300,000 going to the college and the news that A2 classes will be retained in Pontypool for one more year.

He has urged the college to work more closely with Torfaen County Borough Council to explore imaginative ideas which could help cover the years remaining until the long-term future of post-16 education in Torfaen is settled.

The Torfaen MP’s letter concludes: “I therefore urge you to do more work on this issue, since I fear that we may lose generations of young people which would be tragic in this time of recession.”

Since the initial proposals to close the college were announced last month, Mr Murphy has met with Education Minister Jane Hutt on four occasions, had detailed discussions with principal Howard Burton, and met staff and students from the college.

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