Why move regional college?

CAN I please ask Huntingdonshire District Council and the principal of Huntingdonshire Regional College for the real reasons behind the proposal to move the College from its current home to Hinchingbrooke Park?

I attended a meeting at HDC where this subject was contested for a couple of hours. Their arguments for the move did not hold water. In fact, it showed that their decision to proceed is fundamentally flawed.

The future of the college rests with further education courses for local people, with a few specialist courses not found elsewhere. It beggars belief that large numbers who can as easily reach Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge will come to Huntingdon.

The decision was taken by the full council, which includes members from as far afield as Yaxley, Earith and the Gransdens. Surely this decision should have been taken by local councillors.

The people of Oxmoor want the college to stay, and the people of Hinchingbrooke do not want it. Two petitions saying this were presented. Did local councillors in favour of the scheme really take the trouble to seek out the wishes of local people?

Instead of this ill-thought-out scheme they should rebuild HRC on the current site as HDC has done with Pathfinder House.

We already know that the approach roads to Hinchingbrooke Park are heavily overloaded. There are long queues coming down from the hospital trying to get out onto Brampton Road and trying to get in from the west. Watch the existing pupils coming to and from school. It is already a nightmare.

Putting another large educational institution close by will add to already overcrowded chaos. Regrettably, accidents to pedestrians will occur.

Do not make the same mistake as Jubilee Park. Do not move a perfectly viable facility that's in the heart of Huntingdon to the periphery. Leave it where it is.

MAXINE HAY

Robin Terrace

Alconbury