WORK has started on clearing the site that will house a new state-of-the-art further education college in Dewsbury.

Contractors moved on to theformer Safeway supermarket store site on Bradford Road this week to start work on the new campus development planned by Kirklees College.

The scheme will be funded by the Learning and Skills Council, and is expected to open in 2011, subject to planning permission.

Kirklees College also plans a new centre at Folly Hall, Huddersfield.

Clr Ken Sims, the council’s Cabinet member for regeneration said: “This is a crucial development for Dewsbury, not only in providing a modern college and campus for young people, but as part of the wider strategies and plans to revitalise and regenerate the town as a whole.”

He added that the site had been vacant for some time,and become an eyesore.

The council had, therefore decided to take early action and give a contract to Hutchinson Demolition (Yorkshire) to demolish the building and tidy the site in advance of its development.

“It has excellent public transport access by bus and train and will enable staff and students quick and easy access to town centre shops and services, and thereby contribute to the regeneration of the town centre as a whole,” he added.