CONCERNS have been raised over the closure of a community college that could prove "devastating" for young people's futures.

'Save our college’ was the clear message sent from Denbigh during a packed public meeting held by Chris Ruane MP, Vale of Clwyd, and Ann Jones, Vale of Clwyd AM on Friday evening.

The meeting was called to gather the views of the community, its parents, school representatives, business owners and students following the announcement by Coleg Llandrillo on March 13 that it will close Denbigh Community College in the summer.

Mr Ruane said: “Denbigh College has proved to be inspirational to many people from the town so the announcement that Coleg Llandrillo was intending to close the site in a matter of months was understandably met with a degree of anger.

“It was great to see so many people – county councillors, town councillors, students, parents and others come out in support of the college.

“Numerous people told stories of how the college had helped them and they were clearly concerned with how this decision will impact on their lives and the future opportunities of other people in the town.

“Ann Jones AM and I have met with the Principal of Coleg Llandrillo to raise our objections and to relay those of our constituents to the proposed closure and we hope that these are taken seriously by the college.”

It is understood that the closure is due to the college not being cost-effective, following a regional fall in 16 to 19-year-olds and wider economic constraints facing Coleg Llandrillo.

Concerns were raised at the meeting about what impact the closure will have on educational opportunities in the town and how the educational services which use the facility will continue.

Mrs Jones said: “The impact of this closure could be devastating for younger people and adults looking to improve their education within Denbigh.

“Transport from the town to other colleges across North Wales isn’t straightforward and it could also mean additional costs for people who have to organise childcare.

“This decision will have an impact on the future employment prospects for people in Denbigh and needs to be seriously reconsidered by Coleg Llandrillo.”