HYNDBURN Trades Union Council has withdrawn its representative from troubled Accrington and Rossendale College's board of governors.

In a stand against college management's decision to sacked part time staff and use employment agency ELS, Councillor Les Goodwin, of Hyndburn TUC, has stepped down from the governing body.

College principal Mike Austin said he was saddened by the shock move but blasted the TUC for being "narrow-minded".

He added: "I greatly regret that Mr Goodwin has been removed from the board of governors.

"It is very narrow-minded of the TUC and would have thought it would be better for them to keep a representative on the board."

But Hyndburn TUC secretary Peter Billington said: "We have taken this decision in disagreement with the college's action in sacking part-time lecturers and transferring their employment to an agency.

"It is unacceptable to us as an organisation which represents the interests of working people.

"The NATFHE at the college is part of Hyndburn TUC and we fully support their campaign against the college."

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