Rosie Cooper MP claims victory in the battle over funding for a new state-of-the-art Skelmersdale College.

West Lancashire MP, Rosie Cooper, is delighted with the announcement that funding has been committed by the Learning and Skills Council that will allow the college to go-ahead after the initial disappointing decision in July not to fund the college for 2010.

Rosie said:

“I am delighted for Skelmersdale and the young people of West Lancs. This is the best news we could have hoped for as the young people return to college for the new academic year.”

MP Rosie tenaciously fought against this decision, holding a series of productive high level meetings with Government Ministers, senior executives from the Learning and Skills Council and Skelmersdale College.

Rosie also took to the streets of Skelmersdale asking local residents to sign a petition calling on the Learning and Skills Council to fund the new college as soon as possible.

Rosie is delighted that Skelmersdale that has now been included along with original 13 colleges which will receive funding for new buildings.

Rosie continued:

“This is government investment in the future of Skelmersdale and a brighter future for young people. A great beginning for the regeneration of the town."

“Even after the initial announcement I remained absolutely determined that Skelmersdale College and West Lancashire would get this much needed funding for a new college. It is fantastic that the new college has been delivered."

Rosie added:

“Let’s hope this is the beginning of the good news and that the Government turns down the Kirkby proposals and we can turn our attention to the regeneration of the whole of Skelmersdale town centre.”