West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has expressed her disappointment that Warwickshire College Group has rejected using a mediator in its negotiations with the local charity that wants to keep Malvern Hills College alive.

The decision was confirmed in a letter from the Group’s chairman, Peter Manford, who said he ‘did not consider mediation would add value at this point’.

Harriett has shared the news with the Bransford Trust, the charity which has made a bid to take over the site on Albert Road North, and return teaching as soon as possible.

Harriett said:

“Throughout this lengthy process I have sought to find a solution which allows Warwickshire College Group to exit the site with a fair deal and return teaching to the historic buildings.

“The site is protected by a covenant that requires it to be used for educational purposes.

“It’s what the community wants, and I would hope that as WCG is a teaching organisation, that’s what they would want to do as well.

“I sought to find a solution and found a mediator prepared to step in and help to secure a deal. Disappointingly, that option has been rejected by the board.

“I have a meeting planned to discuss this issue with the Minister and will be seeking their guidance on what we can do next.

“The District Council covenant protecting teaching on the site remains in place and I believe this reflects the community’s need for a site for further education.”