CONCERNS have been raised over the future of Malvern Hills College's status as a community asset, with fears it may become sold for development.

A sign has gone up on-site informing residents of the “Notice of Intention to dispose of a property listed as an Asset of Community Value”.

That status had been secured by Malvern Town Council to protect the college from being sold for development, and with this provision lifted, there are fears this could be the outcome of the long-running saga over the college's future.

District councillor James O'Donnell called for clarity over what is happening, saying he and his fellow councillors are still in the dark over what the plan is for the college.

He said: "I am surprised that no actions have been taken by Malvern Hills District Council since passing the motion to save the college in February.

"Time is of the essence if plans are now in place to sell the building, and we need to act together to save the college, not to use the college as a political football for personal promotion."

In response, MHDC chief executive Vic Allison said: "Malvern Hills College was listed as an asset of community value on February 15.

"Listing as an asset of community value enables community groups to bid for a property in the event of its sale.

"The current owners of the College notified the council of their intention to sell and this triggered an interim moratorium period to March 29 within which community interest groups were invited to indicate an interest in the asset.

"The council received notification from a community interest group on March 10 that wanted to be treated as a potential bidder and this triggered a full moratorium period giving them or any other local interest group until August 15 to negotiate a deal with the owners.

"While community groups have no right of first refusal to buy the asset, it gives them time to put together a bid and secure the funding necessary to buy it.

"At the end of the moratorium period, if no deal has been reached, the owner is free to sell to whomever they choose."

Beverley Nielsen, chair of the Malvern Hills College SOS Task Group, said: "I've not been able to say anything of late as negotiations are ongoing. Positive discussions have been ongoing and it's a critical time.

"Through the SOS Task Group we've raised more money again and we are overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"I'm very much hoping we can say something more substantive shortly."

"I've not been able to say anything of late as negotiations are ongoing. Positive discussions have been ongoing and it's a critical time.

"Through the SOS Task Group we've raised more money again and we are overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"I'm very much hoping we can say something more substantive shortly."

Cllr O'Donnell has been working with county education chief Cllr Marcus Hart and West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin to support the group tasked with saving the college, which was marked for closure by WCG back in November last year.

A WCG spokesman said the council had made the change, and that they could not discuss details yet of their plans for the site.

They said: "This is simply a notice from Malvern Hills District Council notifying the public of the intention to sell the site and making the public aware, since it has been designated an asset of community value.

"It is standard council practice in this type of situation."

Mrs Baldwin, Malvern's MP, said: "James and Marcus are being very helpful doing everything they can to support the campaign to keep our wonderful college open."