THE future of a vocational centre is up the air after council bosses revealed it was ‘under review.’ But critics think Blackburn with Darwen Council has already decided that Higher Croft Vocational Learning Centre, Higher Croft Road, will close once the General Election is over.

At a meeting last month with the six members of staff, council bosses said they would be recommending the centre’s closure.

A staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “There was a meeting where we were told the centre would be recommended for closure after the election.

“It is really popular but the centre has not been made use of properly. The staff and the centre have been neglected and it has not been well marketed.

“Facilities are fantastic, the centre has so much potential. It could be used for people who have been made redundant to gain new skills for example.”

The £210,000 centre, which caters for 14 to 19-year-olds, was built in 2006. It holds sessions with 30 students at a time, offers practical brick laying, painting and decorating and joinery lessons.

Around 200 14-16-year-old pupils from schools across Blackburn and Darwen, which contribute to running costs, use the centre.

Campaigner Anne Gallagher, 50, from Blackburn, said: “I believe in the centre and what it stands for, college and university education does not suit every children. Our town is falling to bits and we could do with people learning a trade.”

Harry Devonport, learning boss at the council, said: “We are reviewing our provision in the light of demand from schools, and other existing provision with partners.”