MID Cheshire College’s decision to move 16-18 provisions to its Hartford campus is a ‘big blow’ to Winsford, a councillor has said.

Last month, Mid Cheshire College announced plans to turn its Winsford campus into a ‘Business and Professional Centre’ from September 2015.

The Winsford campus, which was built in 2010, will accommodate a number of the college’s Higher Education and Adult programmes.

However 16-18 students – excluding hairdressing and barber students who will remain at the Winsford Campus for practical sessions – will be transferred to Mid Cheshire College’s Hartford campus.

The news comes shortly after the Winsford Academy announced it was to ‘temporarily’ discontinue sixth form education from September due to declining pupil numbers.

Winsford Town councillor, Cllr Tony Hooton, who is also acting chairman of the Winsford Academy’s board of governors, said: “Of course that’s all a big blow to Winsford because we put a lot of time and effort into getting the Mid Cheshire campus.

“I got a lot of stick for that. I was on Cheshire West at the time, and the campus was coming and it was going to work wonders and work miracles for Winsford.

“This may well be good for Winsford. It may be the best thing since sliced bread but it does leave us with that gap. There are lots of positives in it, but it just leaves that gap for 16-18-year-olds.”

Currently, the Winsford campus runs four 16-18 courses. The college said they are planning on arranging additional bus services to the Hartford campus.

A spokesman for Mid Cheshire College told the Guardian the decision was not affected by student numbers.

Mid Cheshire College principal, Richard Hollywood, said: “The college has taken this decision to ensure all students in that age group benefit from the full range of services and facilities the college has to offer.”

In response to the news, a number of angry parents have taken to Facebook to vent their anger at the latest blow to Winsford’s colleges.

Sarah Teece said: “Money for the college was given on the basis that Winsford is a deprived area and that the youths of Winsford needed a quality college.

“I think it's a disgrace and nothing short of daylight robbery to Winsford residents.”

Lexi Billy Martindale added: “Something needs to be done as poor children in Winsford deserve a chance... Makes me so mad.”