West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged the board of Warwickshire College Group to consider the rescue bid which will protect teaching in the centre of Malvern. 

The MP has written to Group following news that a consortium is trying to open negotiations to save Malvern Hills College from closure.

The Group’s chief executive has identified a property agent to market the site the building has covenants preventing its sale. Malvern Hills District Council has also confirmed that the site will be designated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ which allows the sale to be delayed while a community purchaser is identified.

Harriett has urged principal Angela Joyce to put the proposal to her board, rather than press on with her plan to sell the site to the highest bidder.

Harriett commented: “The community has worked together to find a workable solution which allows the retention of teaching on the site and has an ambitious plan to add more courses.

“The building is protected by a covenant and all the key stakeholders in Malvern are united in our efforts to preserve the site and its teaching potential.

“I’m urging the group to apply some common-sense and come to a swift deal with the Worcestershire Community Foundation which will get us time to put a new post-16 teaching strategy in place for the academic year.

“I have also contacted the Group’s chair and vice-chair and I hope the board will be able to take appropriate steps to make this deal happen.”