THE MAN who served as a college’s chairman over the past 14 years is set to step down after seeing the place through a ‘difficult period’.

A vacancy has now arisen for the role of chairman of governors at Blackburn College after Phil Watson, former borough council chief executive, announced his intention to retire from the voluntary role.

Mr Watson said: “I had been intending to leave earlier, as is good practice in governance in the sector.

“However, I wanted to see the college through what has been a difficult period over the past few years. I am however, now confident that the college is now on a steep curve to improved performance for both further and higher education, following the appointment of Dr Fazal Dad in January 2019 who leads a refreshed senior management team.

“Blackburn College has a first class campus, the envy of many colleges and many hard working and dedicated staff so crucial to the college’s ongoing success. I would particularly like to thank the senior management, staff, and unions for their assistance during my tenure as a governor, and in particular in my time as chairman.”

The college is considering the process to appoint a new chairman.