WEST Somerset College's student training restaurant looks to be the latest casualty as the new governing body seek to make savings to balance the books.

Based in the school's Skills and Enterprise Centre, The Combe Restaurant allowed students to learn the ropes of catering and hospitality in a fully functioning restaurant under the watchful eye of their chef lecturers.

However this week teacher David Pollard posted a message saying The Combe was shutting on the restaurant's Facebook page, prompting an outcry from parents on social media.

"It is with regret that The Combe has now closed with immediate affect. This means the evening planned for 19th has also had to be cancelled," Mr Pollard posted.

"I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their support of the restaurant and the students over the years. And along with all our customers wish every student good luck happiness in what ever come their way."

Executive headteacher Peter Elliott said a review was taking place into the future options for The Combe Restaurant.

“The Combe Restaurant at West Somerset College exists as a learning resource for those students studying Level 3 Hospitality and Catering.

"Here students learn how to prepare restaurant quality meals alongside front of house skills in a simulated working environment.

"As numbers studying these courses has declined it has meant that a review has taken place as to how The Combe Restaurant operates.

"It is presently only open for a very limited amount of time to the general public, one day a week, and the viability of this moving forward is being explored in light of the challenging financial situation of the College.”

One concerned resident on Facebook commented: "Sad day, especially after all the talent that has been nurtured through The Combe!," with another adding "This is dreadful news. We have had some really lovely meals there and there was a lot of talent in the kitchen."

Bridgwater College Trust, which took over the running of the cash-strapped school in February, said the College is currently making a significant loss, and based on student number projections, this is likely to continue.

Threats of closure to the college's farm unit have prompted nearly 1000 people to join an online petition calling for it to be saved – with supporters pointing to the fact that it was only built eight years ago at a cost of £1.4 million.