The Devizes campus of Wiltshire College is to close for courses from January following a decision by principal Amanda Burnside to move classes to bigger sites.

She says that part-time course provision will be unaffected with all courses planned going ahead but it will mean much longer journeys for people from Devizes and surrounding areas as they will have to travel to Trowbridge, Chippenham or Lackham from the start of 2019.

Ms Burnside said: "“By relocating our part-time provision, we are opening up new possibilities for our students.

“Students will be able to use the learning resource centres, canteens and common rooms as well as other onsite student facilities.

“They will also be able to access improved progression opportunities to continue their learning.

“We are very keen to maintain the breadth of part-time offer the College has and see this move as a way of being able to sustain and retain this important provision for the future.”

Warminster campus is also affected by the change but courses at both centres will continue as normal for the remainder of 2018.

The college says the change comes in the wake of a glowing Ofsted report and it wants to improve the student experience across further education, higher education and apprenticeships as well as maintaining its part-time course offer.

Anyone with problems about the change can contact the adult learning team on 01225 756289.

The Gazette would like to hear views on the decision. Email jmoore3@gazetteandherald.co.uk