FVC Alloa campus closure decision postponed

A final decision on the closure of Forth Valley College's Alloa campus has been postponed.

The College is looking to close down the site, saying the current three-campus model isn't financially sustainable.

Nearly 2,500 people have signed a petition against the move.

A planned board meeting for this Friday has been cancelled.

A statement from Forth Valley College says:

"A Forth Valley College Board of Management meeting scheduled for Friday 26 September has been stood down, as talks continue with stakeholders relating to the future of the Alloa Campus.

The College announced on Thursday 4 September that their three-campus model was no longer financially sustainable.

After all staff members were made aware of the situation through briefings, it was announced that a decision on the future plans for the Alloa Campus would be made on Friday 26 September at the next Forth Valley College Board of Management meeting.

However, discussions with potential partners are currently taking place and it has been agreed that the Board of Management members should stand down from attending the planned meeting to allow the discussions to continue.

A revised timeline will be shared in due course."

Dr Abhishek Agarwal, Chair of the Forth Valley Board of Management, said: “There is currently a significant amount of on-going engagement with external stakeholders by the Senior Management Team (SMT) regarding the future of the Alloa campus.

“As discussed at the Board meeting on 14 August, SMT's intention had been to bring a paper on the College estate to the meeting on the 26 September, however, we continue to explore a number of options.

“Given the significant nature of the decision facing the Board, and in consultation with SMT, we have decided to stand down the Board meeting on 26 September as it would not be appropriate to bring a paper to the Board for a decision at this time, whilst these options are still being explored.

“We are unable to give any more details at this stage, however, please be assured we are working to negotiate the best possible outcome that will help make learning work for Forth Valley College, its staff, its students and for the people of Alloa and Clackmannanshire.”

Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “I agree with Dr Agarwal that it was the correct decision to stand down the scheduled meeting, so we can focus seriously on these strong potential leads and give them our full attention to hopefully reach a positive outcome.

“Forth Valley College’s Board of Management consists of members from a wide range of industries, sectors, expertise, professions and community organisations and they are united in our goal of achieving the best possible results in our efforts for the communities of Clackmannanshire.

“Once again, I would like to state that we fully understand how unsettling this news will be - particularly the uncertainty for staff and students based at Alloa and for the wider local community. Please be assured that we are here to listen, to answer any questions, and to provide support to anyone who needs it.”