A COLLEGE has revealed it is looking for a new base in Rossendale - and has hinted it may close one of its current sites in the borough.

Accrington and Rossendale College has announced plans for a £5million rebuilding programme in Hyndburn - just days after students achieved its highest-ever A-level pass rate.

But an existing site at Bank Lea, Rawtenstall, could be axed if plans to extend the centre in Sandy Lane, Accrington, go ahead.

The college has recently carried out refurbishments to its main Rawtenstall centre in Haslingden Road, and the future of this site looks secure.

But college bosses said the site at Bank Lea, Rawtenstall, "does not lend itself to refurbishment", and courses would be moved to Accrington if the building work there takes place.

The college, which already has premises in Haslingden, has announced its is "looking for an opportunity" to build a new site in Rossendale.

A new technology block and car park are planned for the Sandy Lane campus, with improvements to computing and catering facilities also proposed.

College chiefs said they will seek planning permission for the Accrington development within weeks. If the plans are approved, the college will ask for cash from the Further Education Funding Council to help pay for the work.

The proposed new building would unite the college's engineering, motor vehicle studies and construction departments on one site and enable it to leave rented premises in Eagle Street, Accrington.

If approved, the works could start in the spring and be finished early in 2001. Current students would not experience disruption, according to the college.

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