THE future of a former Malvern college looks set to be decided in the High Court.

But Malvern’s MP is hoping the education secretary will intervene at the last minute.

Campaigners had hoped a deal could be struck to buy Malvern Hills College from owners WCG (Warwickshire College Group).

But it now appears to be too late, with a High Court date set for Wednesday (June 14).

WCG is hoping the court will overturn a covenent placed on the Albert Road North site that prevents it being sold off for housing.

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Malvern Hills District Council is defending its decision to stand by the covenant and leader Tom Wells has said the council will do “all it can” to save the college.

Gemma Wiseman, of the Malvern Hills Arts and Community College campaign group, said: “All efforts have been made to get a deal done before reaching court but unfortunately we are now headed there.”

Cllr Wells said: “I know how important the college is to the people of Malvern Hills and we will continue to do all we can to retain it.”

Malvern MP Harriett Baldwin said she has asked education secretary Gillian Keegan to intervene so negotiations can continue.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I still believe that it doesn't make sense for two public bodies to end up in court and I urged the Department for Education to now get more directly involved to help us get a compromise which will see teaching returned at Malvern Hills College.

“In my view the district council is acting in good faith to find a fair deal for both parties.

“At this final hour of the negotiations, I passionately hope that Warwickshire College Group will agree to halt legal proceedings and reach a fair settlement, which is in the best interests of everyone, and importantly saves the taxpayer picking up a large legal bill.”

A spokesperson for WCG said: “Legal proceedings are always a final resort when a situation cannot be otherwise resolved.

“Out of respect for the courts and the process, we will not be commenting further until after the ruling.”