I WOULD like you to print this letter in support of Bolton College. I am sure that your readers are somewhat tired of the endless 'who did what to whom' stories. I have taught at the college for some 28 years and feel well qualified to make the following points to the people of Bolton:

Bolton College -- a Tale of the Past and the Present

Since further education went down the road of 'self-funding', the education decision-makers saw fit to dismantle a well-loved and first-class college for the sake of so-called progress.

In the Bolton area, competition for courses and students became the dominant game, and, allied to this, were the intricacies of the Further Education Funding Council with their own agenda for the provision of post-16 education.

Students rapidly became funding units with awesome administrative implications.

It is little wonder that, without adequate preparation and a change in principal at this time, the management of finances and administration would prove difficult. The college would seem to have been poorly supported by its professional advisers.

The blame game goes on, with senior staff moving out, the chairman of the corporation resigning etc.

These people were advised some time ago by all the trade unions, and others in the college, that problems existed, but no action was taken.

The present acting principle will, in all good faith, probably introduce yet more changes to the structure of courses available at the college but I would counsel caution for I am of the view that you could end up with a 'runt' of a college --a shadow of its former glory.

The blame for all the problems at the college does not lie with the teaching staff or the students and it is not a good idea to disrupt what is essentially a super college.

Whenever there was a problem, the tendency has been to reorganise but your college has had too much reorganisation in the last few years.

It is time now for the people of Bolton to stand up and support the 'Tech' by taking advantage of the highly-qualified, experienced and caring staff.

Students are the main priority of the teaching staff and will receive, as ever, encouragement, advice, support and care.

To use a phrase from the past -- "Make it so." (Nelson).

If you want to change your life and enjoy learning in a robust and active environment, come down to the 'Tech' and join us.

Bolton deserves the best college. Now is the time to work together for the future.

Eric Isaac Ph.D B.Ed

Anglezarke Consultancy

Still working with and

for Bolton College