MP Julian Brazier is to seek an adjournment debate in the House of Commons over the threat to the third stage of redevelopment at Canterbury College.

Mr Brazier met staff and Colin Carmichael, chairman of the college governors, to discuss the impact of the cash crisis facing the Learning and Skills Council which has run out of money to pay for the 79 projects it has approved.

Among those is the third and final phase of redevelopment at Canterbury College which was to have seen its remaining dated buildings demolished and replaced with 21st century facilities.

Mr Carmichael said Canterbury College was stuck in limbo and it was a frustrating position to be in.

“This college has always been seen as the place for local children,” he said. “The economy of Canterbury is one of low paid jobs and this college gives students the skills they need to improve that.

“It also runs lots of courses for adults, especially those made redundant, who can learn new skills.”

Mr Brazier said the Learning and Skills Council’s lack of money had caused huge concern.

“With a recession, this third phase of building at the college would have put lots of money into the local economy,” he said.

“We all accept that the Government has run out of money but we need to find out how much cash is still available and assess the priority of those 79 schemes which have been approved and see which ones we can afford to do.”

Mr Carmichael said a third of the college’s buildings were still of old stock and inadequate and if they were not replaced it would have an impact on the numbers choosing to study there.

Mr Brazier added: “East Kent is a poor area, with well below average standards of living. The impact on the construction industry of these suspended projects is potentially enormous.”

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