Colleges brand MP a 'difficulty'

Education managers have branded Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawzsynski as a "chief difficulty" in their bid to move the town's two colleges on to one site.

Proposals to co-locate Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology at London Road have sparked protests in the town - backed by Mr Kawszynski.

But the MP will now report managers to the parliamentary ombudsman after it was revealed staff at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College plan to put pressure on him "to curb his random tendencies".

Minutes of a meeting leaked to the MP describe "evidence of SSFC staff involvement" as a difficulty.

The leaked document, which describes the progress of the plans, says: "The chief difficulties we face in promoting the positive aspects of co-location are the involvement of SSFC staff in the anti campaign, the opposition of the MP, the reluctance of those who are positive to say so publicly."

Mr Kawszynski said: "I feel that their conduct is highly irregular and will be raising the matter with the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Secretary of State for Education.

"They need to focus on teaching rather than trying to prevent me from undertaking my job."

Michael Jaffrain, director of quality and development at the Sixth Form, said: "We understand and respect the fact that Mr Kawczynski is representing the views of some of his constituents, but as a project team we would like him to look at the wider benefits of the scheme.

"There are many people who support the project, albeit they are not as vocal as those opposed, and we are disappointed that our local MP continues to ignore this fact."