Stourbridge College is closing its Halesowen-based training centre - blaming falling pupil numbers and a lack of funding.

The college has run a horticultural centre at Leasowes Park, Mucklow Hill, for more than 14 years.

But this year a funding application to the Learning Skills Council failed, forcing it to close up shop.

The centre- teaches the art of gardening to around 140 students, some of whom have learning difficulties. It will close in 2008.

The listed building will be put on the market for sale.

A statement released by the college said: "In order to continue to offer good quality, cost effective provision in all areas of the curriculum Stourbridge College has decided to stop the delivery of horticulture provision and close our Leasowes site in Halesowen.

"This is due to the small numbers of students we are attracting to this provision and Learning Skills Council low priority status in the regional economy.

"At present the Leasowes site provides both vocational training in horticulture for further education students and horticultural training for students with learning difficulties.

"We will continue to offer horticuture training as an option for students with learning difficulties from our Hagley Road site in Stourbridge."

A spokeswoman for Stourbridge College said it would do all it could to ensure there were no staff redundancies.

They said arrangements would be made for existing students to complete their training at the Hagley Road site and the vaue of the building is "not yet known as it is a specialist market that is being tested."

l What do you think about the centre's demise? Are you a student or a member of staff there? We would like to hear from you. Post your comments by clicking onto this story at www.thisishalesowen.co.uk