Union slams University of Cumbria over Ambleside campus closure

Two hundred jobs are set to go across the institution and the union said shutting Ambleside would be a 'devastating blow' to the local area.
 
UCU regional official, Iain Owens, said: 'The closure of Ambleside is a devastating blow for staff, students and the local area. Ambleside makes a huge contribution to the local economy and is a vital lifeline for the surrounding community. Students have already shown their anger at this decision and we will be sitting down with them shortly to talk through the next steps. Our members will fight these proposals tooth and nail and we have not ruled out the option of strike action.'
 
In December vice-chancellor, Peter McCaffrey, broke the news of 200 jobs going to students before informing staff. Many staff only found they were being sacked after reading about it in the local media. Angry students took to the streets of Ambleside in protest following the announcement and were joined by staff and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron.