MORE than £4million will be taken away from thousands of students in East Lancashire after the Government axed vital funding for college students.

Now college and sixth bosses are currently working on initiatives that would encourage youngsters to continue their education in light of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) cuts.

Blackburn College received £2,200,480 which was given to 2,236 students over the course of the year while Accrington and Rossendale College administered £842,400 and St Mary’s College handed out upto £923, 400 to 855 students in a year.

Sir Bill Taylor, chairman of governors at Blackburn College, said: “This was brought in during the last Government to encourage youngsters for personal or family reasons might not chose to go into education.

"The maximum of £30 a week saved them from working as well as studying at college. The money wasn’t squandered.

“In the best case some students will get part time jobs.”

To counter the funding cut Blackburn College and Accrington and Rossendale College is introducing discounted travel for students.

They are also offering initiatives such as hot free breakfasts, a subsidised healthy lunch for 16-18’s, cut price, and financial assistance towards the costs of equipment, kit and essential trips.

Blackburn College principal Ian Clinton said: “As a college we want to reassure worried students and parents that although the EMA allowance will come to an end, we have a financial support system in place to help our students.

“We consulted with them directly and asked them what they needed and wanted and acted accordingly.

“Our initiatives are all ways in which the college can help support its students and make the cost of studying a little easier.”

Harry Tallon, vice principal of Accrington and Rossendale College, said: “We are committed to ensuring that the demise of Education Maintenance Allowance does not affect the ability of our current or prospective students to come to this college, enjoy their experience and achieve their learning goals.”