MP pledges to keep up fight as university gives ground over future of Ambleside campus

6.46.27pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Commenting on today's crucial meeting of the board of governors at the University of Cumbria, South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who has led the campaign to save Ambleside Campus said: "I have mixed feelings after the outcome of the university board meeting. We've won a partial victory. Outdoor studies students will now be able to stay in Ambleside - which is good news for them and for the whole of Ambleside.

"But I'm devastated for teacher training students who are still being asked to move, and for dozens hard working and long suffering of members of staff who may now face redundancy. Many of whom have given their life to the campus and to it's generations of students tonight face redundancy and an uncertain future.

"I am extremely proud of the students, staff and the community of Ambleside - we've fought a fantastic campaign which I promise will continue

"I've also been working hard with people like the North West Development Agency and Kendal College to present a rescue package to keep students at Ambleside, bring new students to Ambleside and to help get the university out of debt. That rescue package has hardly been considered by the university board today. The university may not be entirely responsible for the mess they are in, but they must be held responsible for failing to accept real help like this. This means that today's decision is not final - these offers are still on the table, the university should have bitten our hands off, but if I have to spend even longer to persuade them to do the right thing, so be it. So the fight goes on - absolutely no one should even think of giving up!

"I'm optimistic there can be very bright future for the Ambleside campus I'm determined to expand provision at Ambleside - with a world class tourism, hospitality and catering degree, a big increase in outdoor studies and developing Charlotte Mason's legacy."