A COLLEGE may be forced to remove the cladding from its £10m building after it was deemed to be potentially unsafe.

Investigations following the deaths of 71 people in the Grenfell Tower disaster in June last year have found that the cladding used on the University Technical College Warrington on Dallam Lane could be a fire hazard.

Contractors used in the building’s construction have confirmed that the cladding is aluminium composite material, certain types of which are not suitable for buildings taller than 18 metres.

They had originally told the Department for Education that UTC Warrington’s cladding was ‘not of concern’.

Samples of the cladding material are now undergoing tests to determine whether it is safe to be used on the building.

UTC Warrington will remain opening following checks carried out by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday, March 10.

The Department for Education is working with UTC Warrington head teacher Lee Barber to decide what action should now be taken.

Meetings will be held with the contractor next week to discuss options concerning the building, which could include removing the cladding.

Parents of pupils at the college were informed of the news yesterday, Wednesday.

UTC Warrington first opened in September 2016 at a cost of £10m.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “We take the safety of pupils and school staff extremely seriously.

“The fire and rescue service has advised that UTC Warrington is safe to remain open and we are working closely with the head teacher on any further action that might be required.

“Like all schools, the college can be evacuated in a matter of minutes in the event of a fire.”