Opposition to college relocation

Shropshire Colleges face opposition to the plans

A governor at a college scheduled to merge with another institution says he was asked to resign over his opposition to the move.

David Holmes, a governor at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, opposes plans to relocate to a new campus in London Road along with Shrewsbury College.

Mr Holmes said students, businesses and parents were opposed to the move.

Bill Dowell, principal of the sixth form college, said the move had been consulted on and was necessary.

"The consultation period has been extensive and went on for a long time with many meetings and people being consulted.

"We are looking to a future generation of learners and the community by introducing a new range of post-16 qualifications and alongside that both colleges have major estate needs," he said.

Speaking of his resignation Mr Holmes said: "I resigned because I was asked to because the chairman of the governors took the view that my objection to the planning application was behaviour that was likely to undermine the corporation of governors."