Posted: 20/03/09
Radio station backs ‘super-college’ plans
Commercial radio station Mansfield 103.2 is backing West Nottinghamshire College’s bid to build a £96m ‘super-college’.
Monday 23 March 2009 is ‘West Notts College Day’ on the station that covers Mansfield, Ashfield and Bolsover.
Running from 8am to 6pm, there will be hourly news updates on the College’s ambitious redevelopment plans, outside broadcasts, a phone-in with College Principal and Chief Executive Asha Khemka OBE, plus interviews with students, staff and politicians including Mansfield MP Alan Meale, Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon and Mansfield Mayor Tony Egginton.
The station pledged its support after learning the College’s hopes of building a new campus had stalled after the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) said it could not currently fund all college capital schemes across the country.
Work to build the new campus was due to start this month but the LSC has announced it is now reviewing its Building Colleges for the Future Programme in light of the funding issues.
Consequently, the College is awaiting details from the LSC and the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS) about when it can proceed with it plans.
Tony Delahunty, Managing Director of Mansfield 103.2, said: “At 8am today (Friday 20 March) the College Principal got over 20 people from the business, education and local government community in Mansfield and Ashfield to sit round a table and discuss the hold-up to its redevelopment plans.
“I was one of those lucky enough to be present and it was clear there was an incredible groundswell of support for the College and its proposed new campus, which will play a major role in the ongoing regeneration of the area.“As a local radio station we completely back the College on this vital issue and hope listening to the feelings of our community will encourage the LSC to realise the importance of the new building going ahead without delay.”
Principal and Chief Executive Asha Khemka OBE said: “I am delighted the College has received such overwhelming support from so many influential people across Mansfield and Ashfield. I’m particularly grateful to the backing given by Mansfield 103.2, which is only too keen to highlight why it’s so crucial the community gets the new college it so richly deserves.”
People can tune in to 103.2 on FM or listen live on the web at www.mansfield103.co.uk
