Plans for Hadlow College to move onto the former Betteshanger Colliery site could bring jobs to the Deal and Sandwich area, as well as secure the future of Fowlmead Country Park.

The college, which is based near Tonbridge, is hoping a grant from the Regional Growth Fund will help fund the project.

Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade is backing Hadlow’s project.

Chamber board member Valerie Owen said: “This campus presents a fantastic opportunity to create a much needed further education provision within Dover district."

It is possible Hadlow could also take over management of the Fowlmead Country Park, the former spoil tip of the Betteshanger pit that has been transformed into a leisure and nature area.

The South East England Development Agency, which acquired the freehold in 2000 as part of the National Coalfield Development, is due to be wound up next year.

Buy the East Kent Mercury for the full story.