COURSES at Warrington Collegiate could move to campuses in Winsford or Hartford following the organisation’s merger with Mid Cheshire College.

Nichola Newton, principal designate of the newly merged colleges, confirmed that some subjects may be moving and students will be shuttled between sites by bus.

She also confirmed that the Winsford campus will remain open after a former support teacher said he was concerned that students from mid Cheshire are being moved to Warrington for catering and hair and beauty courses.

Ms Newton said: “Plans for the merged college are progressing well and we are on track to meet the vesting date of August 1, 2017.

“Feedback from, and our response to, the public consultation will be published in the next few weeks and we have already appointed an experienced and able designate senior leadership team who are working hard with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

“Our aim is to create a larger, financially stable and economically resilient institution, which will build on and strengthen the educational offering currently provided by the partner colleges at campuses in Hartford, Winsford and Warrington.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring an excellent provision across the three sites and are keen that learners benefit from the outstanding facilities available.

“Hartford, Winsford and Warrington campuses will feature in our curriculum plans moving forward.

“We will make every effort to minimise the impact that any changes may have on our learners.

“However, in the event of under-recruitment, small class sizes and course viability will have to be considered.

“If learners are required to travel between sites, we will communicate this to learners and their parents and a free shuttle bus will be available.

“We have no plans to sell the Winsford campus.

“Instead, over a period of time, it is our intention to invest in best in class facilities and resources there to meet and exceed industry standards and respond to the skills needs articulated by the Local Enterprise Partnership and the government’s modern industrial strategy.”