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Minister’s motorbike ‘terror’ going 0mph

Peter Devine
15/ 3/2006

A GOVERNMENT Minister had a shaky start during the launch of the flagship £50million scheme to transform Stockport College - after he stalled a 1,000cc motorcycle during a tour of the facilities.

Bill Rammell, the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, was accompanied on his tour yesterday by college principal Peter Roberts, before unveiling a plaque to mark the merger of North Area College as part of the Stockport College campus. He also viewed a wooden clock in the main reception, which was designed and built by carpentry students in January.

Mr Rammell's minor hiccough came as he was visiting the motorcycle workshop and under the tutelage of lecturer Hugh Cleary attempted to get into the saddle of the 1,000 cc Suzuki with the engine of the 140 mph machine idling. His effort brought the machine, which was on test bed rollers, to a premature halt.

"It was my fault," admitted Mr Rammell. "Personally, I was terrified when I was on it. I had only been on a moped prior to that."

However, the glitch did nothing to dampen the huge impression the college visit left on Mr Rammell.

"I would say that Stockport College is definitely in the fast lane when it comes to making improvements to education for everyone in the town.

"This is a hugely important for the town and if the further education college merger works well it could be the driving force behind future plans for Stockport College. You don't get to raise 50 million quid from government unless the bid is on a firm footing and I am sure the new college will be welcomed by Stockport and its people, and lead to improved educational performance."

Mr Rammell, who met college management, staff, councillors and leaders of town organisations, said the government "is committed" to providing 35 per cent of the current costings for the new college campus, which would include 21st century facilities and buildings from the old St Thomas's Hospital, shops, walkways, fountain to a central covered glass atrium.

Mr Robert's presented Mr Rammell with a framed print design by former visual arts student Jessica Owens.