THE future of Hadlow College, near Tonbridge, is hanging in the balance after it emerged the agricultural centre is facing a grave financial crisis.

The alarm has been raised following an investigation by The Learning and Skills Council, the body responsible for distributing treasury funds for education.

A secret report sent to employees expresses "serious concerns" regarding quality, finance and management of the college's centres.

The document, which has been leaked to the Kent Messenger newspaper, warns: "This restructure has to be done if the college is going to succeed in terms of quality of learning provision. It also needs to be done if Hadlow College is to remain in existence."

Areas vulnerable under the restructure include commercial horticulture, business, agriculture and amenity horticulture.

Hadlow has axed lecturers and courses in a wholesale restructuring. The document reveals that Hadlow College has suffered a trading deficit of £427,000 in the past two financial years and is facing mounting debts of £500,000 in the current financial year if no action is taken.

In a statement Hadlow College said it was responding to meet increasing demands for efficiency and quality.

Paul Hannan, acting principal, said there were plans to invest in new facilities but that would lead to staffing changes and "site rationalisation".

He added: "These changes will lead to some staff redeployment and redundancies, however, the college will take all steps to ensure that these will be as smooth as possible and the students' learning will not be adversely affecting during the change process."