IF our country is to be a successful independent nation now and after Brexit, it requires competent people working in enterprises of all shapes and sizes, private and public.

If this is to be achieved, we need a constant stream of young people coming forward and developing their competence replacing those leaving the workforce to ensure future outcomes.

For many decades young people in mid Cheshire attended vocational courses at Hartford College.

Hartford College played a vital role in developing competence in the local workforce.

How many local garage technicians, plumbers, joiners, electricians, workers in the food industry, hairdressers, secretaries and beauticians began their working lives with vocational courses at Hartford College?

But for some years now, according to the inspection reports, Hartford College has shown a deterioration of standards. Whatever the cause, the decision has been taken to virtually close the college and transfer to Warrington and Winsford.

Was there proper consultation before the decision was taken with local businesses and commercial enterprises as to what would be the impact of this decision on their operations?

What has been the impact of this decision on the aspirations of the young people who have little or no empathy with Warrington or Winsford and will now have to travel long distances?

What about those older people who enjoyed leisure and hobby courses at the college?Will they be motivated now to travel to Warrington or Winsford – it’s unlikely.

The virtual closure of Hartford College is ill judged when our country will need every teaching and training facility to help the young meet our nation’s post Brexit challenges. It is a disgrace, and once the facility has gone it will never be replaced.

There is still time, before the buildings are demolished, to reverse the decision and install dynamic and competent leadership and governance to continue to provide vital competence development bases for the young people of mid Cheshire in Hartford.

A Chaplin Hartford