MP marches to save deaf college

A Derby MP has joined dozens of students, parents and teachers in protest at plans to close the Derby College for Deaf people.

Demonstrators set off from the college site on Ashbourne Road on Thursday and walked to the Market Place.

They say its closure would jeopardise the education of hundreds of students and jobs of staff.

Bob Laxton, MP for Derby North, felt it was a worrying time for students with hearing problems in Derbyshire.

Poor report

He said: "There are lots of concerns and worries and perhaps a little anger as well about how this has come about so suddenly.

"People feel uncertain about what the future holds for the deaf community and, for that matter, the employees of the college."

Students at the college have already staged a number of demonstrations.

The decision to close the college was made following a poor OFSTED report.

The college is due shut its doors this September.