A MIDDLEWICH resident is calling for a further education centre to be developed in the town.

Mike Parsons, of Waterside Way, is concerned that the town's students are travelling unnecessary distances to further their education.

At present youngsters who wish to study A levels or the equivalent have to travel to Northwich, Winsford or Sandbach.

He feels that, as the fastest growing town in Cheshire, with over 14,000 residents, Middlewich merits a sixth form or further education college of its own.

Mike said: "This is something pretty dear to the hearts of Middlewich people, but there is no funding from the Cheshire County Council education budget for building a new school."

He is also worried that as the town grows Middlewich residents may opt to send their children to other schools in the area which have associated sixth forms.

This could mean that less children would attend the high school and it could fall into decline

Middlewich High School headteacher, David Lythgoe, said: "I've recently spoken to people at universities doing surveys about sixth form education.

"At the moment because of the funding arrangements small sixth forms are becoming less viable, but it is certainly something which is worth putting on the agenda."

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: "We now have an education and training policy and strategic development group, made up of council officers, education advisors and headteachers, who report on challenges and opportunities with regard to national development.

"This could result in changes in sixth form education across the county from 2002.

"The whole question is in the melting pot with regard to the entire county, not just Middlewich."