THE MP for Penrith and The Border has urged staff and students to keep fighting against closure plans for Newton Rigg College after more voices of objection were raised.

Dr Neil Hudson has urged campaigners to keep going “now more than ever” to fight for its future.

His calls have now been echoed by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Board who expressed their “disappointment” at the decision.

The closure of the facility, which is run by Askham Bryan College would see 117 job losses because they say it is no longer financially viable.

It is due to close in July 2021.

The proposed closure is subject to a 45-day consultation with staff and the trade unions.

The University and College Union said the decision is a “hammer blow” to the region.

In the letter Dr Hudson said: “Following on from the hugely disappointing news that Askham Bryan are proposing the closure of the Newton Rigg Campus in July 2021.

“As you will be aware, over the last three months I have been, and will continue to be, working hard to secure a future for this valuable and important college.

“I have held meetings with stakeholders, Ministers, the FE Commissioner’s Office and Askham Bryan.

“I launched a petition to highlight the importance of the college, not only to Cumbria but also to the wider nation’s rural economy.

“Last week I spoke in parliament and stressed the importance of Newton Rigg.

“This is not going to be easy for any of you to go through, and I know you may feel already that the battle is lost.

“But now, more than ever, I urge you to keep going.”

At a meeting on Friday the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Board expressed its view over the decision.

Lord Inglewood, the board’s chair, said: “This is clearly very disappointing news, particularly for me personally as a former student at Newton Rigg.

“Here in Cumbria we see Newton Rigg as symbolic, given our land based industries and the importance of these to Cumbria and its economy.

“We are committed to finding an alternative future for Newton Rigg.”

Mary Robinson, board member, said: “We in the rural community are determined that provision is maintained beyond 2021 and will be working with all interested parties to help to achieve this.”

Tim Whitaker, principal of Askham Bryan College, had previously said: “We understand the strength of feeling about Newton Rigg and the fact this will be upsetting news to our staff, students and the local community.

“This has been a very difficult decision.

“Given the current economic climate, and the fact that no capital or revenue funding is available, we have no other option but to propose closing the facility.”