AYRSHIRE College’s decision to close its Cumnock campus has ‘ripped the aspirations from young people’, it was claimed this week.

Bosses at the college say that while the number of students from the Cumnock area has increased in each of the past three years, they have chosen to attend campuses in Ayr and Kilmarnock.

They added that, despite a targeted marketing campaign, aimed at generating interest in courses amongst local residents, applications for Cumnock continued to drop, but many people are unhappy with the closure.

Janice Hendry, founder of yipworld, is also concerned that there is now a lack of provision for many young people in the Cumnock area, but is not surprised at the announcement.

She said: “I feel that the rot set in when Donald Stewart, a dedicated manager who was passionate about the college and the Cumnock area, was paid off.

“When he was in charge, the campus was a stepping stone for young people, especially in rural areas, and gave them a confidence boost to progress — events like an annual presentation were organised by him.

“The writing was on the wall when Donald left, and the closure has ripped the aspirations from young people and left a lot of them even more vulnerable.” MSP Adam Ingram added: “I will be seeking a meeting with college chairman Willie Mackie, and principal Heather Dunk, as I am not impressed with what they are saying to justify their decision.

“I will seek reassurances that young people in Cumnock, and surrounding area, will not be missing out on college education although I accept that the workforce will be redeployed at other campuses.

“There is going to be a new college at the Knockroon development, but I will be looking for an assurance that there will not be a gap between the current campus closing and the new one opening up."