PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to have discussions on the future of Newton Rigg College in Penrith.

In Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, Mr Johnson said he would “have a proper conversation” about Newton Rigg College directly with education secretary Gavin Williamson and Penrith and The Border MP Neil Hudson.

The question was put to the Prime Minister by Dr Hudson in his quest to save Newton Rigg College from closure. He asked the Prime Minister to ask Government departments to work with him and local stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for the agricultural college.

In response, Mr Johnson said he knew this would be a difficult time for the community and those who care about the college. He proposed a “proper conversation” about what could be done to help in a meeting with the minister and the MP.

Th news comes after last week’s announcement by the Further Education Commissioner that a strategic review of the college will take place to evaluate bids from interested parties that have come forward with proposals for its future. That review will also consider how the area’s educational needs will be met and will engage closely with interested parties.

Speaking after the exchanges in the Chamber, Dr Hudson said: “It was great to have the opportunity to have been able to bring Newton Rigg to the forefront of the House of Commons and most importantly, directly with the Prime Minister.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to talk with him directly about Newton Rigg and what can be done to find a secure and sustainable future for the campus.”

Newton Rigg is the oldest agricultural education establishment in England, with its origins dating back as far as 1874. The college was established on its current site 124 years ago and is the only college in England to have a hill farm facility.