AN under-threat learning centre has been thrown a lifeline.

The interim principal of Bolton College says he is working to ensure the future of Westhoughton Learning Centre for the community.

Bill Webster said the college is in the process of establishing a partnership with different organisations to ensure that there is a learning facility in Westhoughton.

It has been under threat of closure for a year.

The Bolton News reported last month how a family had been left devastated after the closure of a course at the centre for adults with special educational needs.

Mr Webster said: “I know that there was a great deal of angst caused, which I understand.

“Those learners have now been moved to Brownlow Fold Centre which is a purpose-built centre for their needs.

“The decision was taken on educational grounds.”

He added he recognised that Westhoughton was seen as “safe and secure place” but staff were working to settle the students into the Brownlow Fold.

The Westhoughton Centre was put under review last year with college bosses saying there was not the demand for their courses. Users noted that the centre had not been included in the 2016 Bolton College Community Learning for Adults brochure.

But now the college has said it was working towards a multi-agency approach to carry on providing it as a learning centre.

Mr Webster said: “I believe that Westhoughton has definitely got a future.

“The reality is the funding for community learning does not fund adult leisure courses. Priorities are employability courses, maths and English.

“I think the solution is a multi-agency one to get the focus back and have a nice community relaunch for it some time later in the year.”

The type of courses which will be run at the centre are still to be decided, but is thought would include taster and core courses.

Mr Webster said: “We see how it works. I can’t promise forever, but if people use it and start buying into it, why wouldn’t we want it to stay?”