Rural community shaken as popular agricultural college is earmarked for closure

"Given the current economic climate, and the fact that no capital or revenue funding is available, we have no other option but to propose closing the facility in July 2021. We will do all we can to support our staff and students at this difficult time," Mr Whitaker added.

Commence as intended

The college has stated learning planned and apprenticeships for the next academic year (September 2020 – July 2021) will commence as intended and all current and prospective students will be informed of the closure proposal.

University and College Union (UCU) has vowed to fight the planned closure, describing it a ’hammer blow’ for the region.

Reactions

Dr Neil Hudson MP, who has led a cross-party political campaign to save the campus since the review began in March, said: "This is hugely disappointing news for the students and staff of Newton Rigg.

"I have been and continue to work hard to secure a future for this valuable and important college. I have held meetings with stakeholders, ministers, the FE Commissioner’s Office and Askham Bryan.

"One small glimmer of light for us is Askham Bryan has listened to my call for them to delay the implementation of their decision for as long as possible, and the fact Newton Rigg will be open for business as normal this coming academic year will give us the window to implement a rescue plan.

"I will continue do my upmost to secure a viable future for Newton Rigg. It is so important to our rural economy, both in Cumbria and the wider UK."

Big disappointment

Cumbrian dairy farmer, James Robinson, said the news was a ’real shame’ and a ’big disappointment’ to the local farming community and his family, who have studied at the college for more than four generations.

He said: "Newton Rigg has played a massive role in my family. My great great aunt was one of the first female intakes in 1910, my dad studied there in the late 60s and I did my dairy diploma in the early 90s. My son, Robert, had planned to enrol on a two year course at the college this September but now is uncertain what to do.

"The decision to close Newton Rigg will have a much wider economic impact on the county and will be a real loss for our rural area for future generations of farmers, game-keepers and arboriculturists keen to learn and enter the industry."

Saddened

Current student Katie Willey contacted Farmers Guardian stating the decision will have ‘major negative impacts on the students, staff and the whole of Cumbria’.

Ms Willey said: “During my short time at Newton Rigg college I have made so many new contacts and connections within industry and it saddens me future students will not get this networking chance.

"Staff and fellow students have been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I have been given so many opportunities at the college that I have never had anywhere else, so it is important it remains open for future generations.”

Social media reactions to the news

Such a terrible blow for Cumbria - Newton Rigg College to close. @NewtonRigg has been a cornerstone of this county for over a century, generations of our farming communities owe that college so much

— Kate Braithwaite (@cumbria4kate)

Such a terrible blow for Cumbria - Newton Rigg College to close. @NewtonRigg has been a cornerstone of this county for over a century, generations of our farming communities owe that college so much

— Kate Braithwaite (@cumbria4kate) May 21, 2020

RIP Newton Rigg? Educating Strickley farmers since 1898, including a GGG aunt, @1940atStrickley’s mother Frances 1910, @HRfromStrickley (note tie), @JRfromStrickley. PLEASE SAVE! pic.twitter.com/bB4klmRcYV

— Kathleen Robinson (@KRfromStrickley)

RIP Newton Rigg? Educating Strickley farmers since 1898, including a GGG aunt, @1940atStrickley's mother Frances 1910, @HRfromStrickley (note tie), @JRfromStrickley. PLEASE SAVE! pic.twitter.com/bB4klmRcYV

— Kathleen Robinson (@KRfromStrickley) May 22, 2020

Very sad news regarding Newton Rigg, whilst I wasn’t a student there I have in recent years become more involved with the College and assisted the staff and students. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff is fantastic. I sincerely hope a solution can be found to keep it open

— Craig Brough (@CraigBrough1)

Very sad news regarding Newton Rigg, whilst I wasn’t a student there I have in recent years become more involved with the College and assisted the staff and students. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff is fantastic. I sincerely hope a solution can be found to keep it open

— Craig Brough (@CraigBrough1) May 22, 2020

Shocking news for ag education. Newton Rigg is an institution - well-known, respected and much needed in one of our most rural and agricultural areas. Very sad and very mad 😔 t.co/BFA5QQpedn

— Anna Jones (@Jonesthejourno)

Shocking news for ag education. Newton Rigg is an institution - well-known, respected and much needed in one of our most rural and agricultural areas. Very sad and very mad \uD83D\uDE14 https://t.co/BFA5QQpedn

— Anna Jones (@Jonesthejourno) May 21, 2020

>

Well to say Newton Rigg, shaped every aspect of my personal and professional life..would be an understatement. What a contrast to my application in 1980 when NR said I was welcome but would be on a waiting list and I had to complete around 3 years of pre college experience!

— Dougal Driver (@ddforest)

Well to say Newton Rigg, shaped every aspect of my personal and professional life..would be an understatement. What a contrast to my application in 1980 when NR said I was welcome but would be on a waiting list and I had to complete around 3 years of pre college experience!

— Dougal Driver (@ddforest) May 22, 2020

>