THE chairman of Blackburn College who had a building named in his honour has stepped down.

Sir Bill Taylor has submitted his resignation as chairman and governor of the college’s corporation board and has left his post with immediate effect.

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The former leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council had been a governor for 14 years and had acted as chairman for the past eight years.

At a meeting of the board Sir Bill cited personal reasons for his stepping downdecision to step down.

The move comes after the college named the £7m ‘Sir Bill Taylor Futures Centre’ after him in 2013 which includes a television studio, cinema theatre and science gadgets.

He said: Sir Bill said: “I'd been looking for a ‘lull’ in the challenges that face all colleges for nearly a year as a ‘window’ for me to retire.

“My wife and I are retired and recently admitted to the ‘Ancient Order of Grandparents’. We've just bought a home that needs a great deal of refurbishing, I'd like to write a book and travel more.

“The role of chair occupies two to three days a week. It is rigorously demanding.

“I leave the college in good shape with a wonderful 21st century campus.

“Over the years there have been thousands of great students, with further generations to come, taught and trained by great teams of staff, for whom I have the greatest respect and in many cases, friendship."

Vice chairman Phil Watson has taken over as chairman while a permanent replacement is recruited.

He said: “I have known Sir Bill both as a friend and colleague over several decades and in different capacities.

“Those of us who know him well whilst recognising he is leaving this position will realise that this will not be the end of his contribution to the well-being of the borough and its residents.”

Mr Watson, a former chief executive of the council, has been a member of the board since 2005.

Sir Bill is also a former governor at Pleckgate High School, Roe Lee Primary school and Brunel Nursery.

Jack Straw, who has been a board member for 25 years, said: “He has been chairman for some years and I think that he has fulfilled the role with great distinction.

“He has guided the college successfully through a period of great change and he is a big loss to the college.”

A spokesman for the board said: “The corporation board expressed its sincere thanks to Sir Bill for his stewardship of the college during an interesting period which amongst other things has seen the comprehensive development of the college campus including the Sir Bill Taylor Futures Centre.”

Sir Bill was unavailable for comment yesterday.