A NEW £32m Widnes campus with trailblazing facilities is set to transform Halton College, newly appointed interim principal Alan Harrison announced this week.

Ambitious plans to develop newly structured post-16 education and learning are soon to be unveiled.

"It is really exciting," said Alan Harrison, who started his new job three weeks ago. "Making better provision for the wider community in Halton is a brilliant vision.

"I am delighted to join such a successful college with an active agenda for future development.

"There is the prospect of delivering even higher standards for the local communities in the proposal of a new £32m campus."

Merging Halton College and Widnes & Runcorn Sixth Form College is one of three options being considered in a Government review.

School sixth forms sharing teachers and buildings is a second proposal. Having only one college in each town is a third possibility.

Alan will be overseeing the changeover during the next 12 months.

He has undertaken interim principal roles at several further education colleges since 2002 and has considerable experience leading and supporting colleges facing re-organisation.

"Halton is doing extremely well and is financially strong." said Mr Harrison. "The atmosphere is very warm and friendly.

"The joy of further education is that you can re-enter at different stages and top up."

He said he was very impressed by the college's budding chefs and waiters.

"The food was of an exceptionally high standard," he said. "It was delightful to see students waiting on their first night. I look forward to see them blossoming."