DENBIGH College will close this summer, with bosses blaming the fall in the number of 16 to 19-year-olds across the region.

The decision to close followed a curriculum review by the Grwp Llandrillo Menai, which decided the the college was not cost-effective.

Grwp Llandrillo Menai is a partner in a second college in Denbigh, HWB Dinbych, which will take on students for next academic year.

However the HWB’s range of courses is limited and might not cater for all Denbigh College students.

And there are concerns over those in their first year of study on a two-year course or those planning to start their studies next year.

A Grwp Llandrillo Menai spokesperson said: “We have timed the relocation of courses to alternative campuses to coincide with the academic year so that existing students at Denbigh will not be affected [and] will be able to complete their studies and gain qualifications ahead of closure."

Subjects for the next academic that might have to relocate to colleges outside Denbigh include music technology, health and social care, and art and design.

The 93 full-time students enrolled at Denbigh College for this academic year will not be affected.

Staff will be offered opportunities to relocate to Rhyl or Rhos-on-Sea, to retrain, or to apply for voluntary redundancy.

As well as the fall in the number of 16-19 year olds, Grwp Llandrillo Menai cited an increase in the popularity and availability of apprenticeships as an alternative to full-time education as a factor in the closure decision.

It also said it wanted to focus on delivering education programmes that will meet the economic priorities of the area.

There were also wider economic factors, such as rising costs, set against stagnant public sector income and Grwp Llandrillo Menai says savings from closing Denbigh College will help to fund new courses in Rhyl and Rhos-on-Sea.

Bosses also say they are committed to working with staff and trade unions ahead of the closure.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane has organised a public meeting over the closure decision, to be held at Eirianfa Community Centre in Denbigh at 3.45pm today.