THE future of the town's first University Technical College Warrington (UTCW) remains uncertain after its sponsors pulled its backing due to mounting costs.

The University of Chester will no longer be involved with the project after a series of setbacks have made it difficult to get the multi-million pound specialist college up and running.

A spokesman for the University of Chester said: “The University of Chester has made the reluctant decision to withdraw as a partner from the UTCW project.

"The length of time required for the construction and fitting out of the UTCW, along with the need to re-appoint a principal, has led to a deferred opening date and therefore larger pre-opening costs.

“The University of Chester fully supports the project but is unable to remain involved due to the additional financial investment required.

“The university recognises the continuing support that UTCW has from its employer backers and the borough council and wishes it every success.”

Since the plans were announced in January 2013, the UTCW has faced a number of challenges including the resignation of its principal designate less than five months after she was appointed.

Catherine Collier, who officially took up the post in September, was appointed in the summer to take on the headship of the specialist college, which will focus on engineering and energy education and training for 14 to 19 year olds.

But she resigned from the job in November to 'pursue other opportunities' and her replacement has yet to be announced.

Blueprints to build the six storey building, which will accommodate 620 pupils and 47 members of staff, on the former site of Dallam Day Centre in the town centre have already been approved by the council.

But education chiefs were forced to push back its opening date by 12 months due to delays to building work.

The college is now expected to open in September 2016.

It is not known who will take over the sponsorship for the UTCW but it understood some universities are currently considering the decision.