THE future of the West Somerset College Farm Unit remains uncertain it was confirmed this week.

The farm unit looked set to be axed earlier this year due to financial concerns at the College, however Exmoor National Park helped step in with funding to keep the facility open until at least January.

Bridgwater College Trust, which has been running the school since February, said that although all students using the facility as part of their studies will complete their qualifications this year, the long term future of the site was uncertain, with fresh concerns raised over the lease of the land.

Peter Elliott, chief executive officer of the Bridgwater College Trust said: "The Bridgwater College Trust has been working with a series of partners, including Exmoor National Park, The Beach Hotel, Somerset Rural Youth, West Somerset Council, Shearwell data, Channel Training and Business Exmoor over the past few months.

"We have been working with these organisations to come up with a viable business proposal to make some changes to how the farm unit is used which will ensure the long term provision of this site as an educational facility for the people of West Somerset.

"Last month we were advised that the land which is leased by West Somerset College from the Crown Estate is included in a proposed large sale of land to a new, as yet undisclosed, purchaser. "

Mr Elliot said the trust is hoping to be renegotiate the terms of the existing lease to implement the new business plan, thus securing the long term future of the site.

"We have sent the joint proposal to the prospective new land owner for consideration," he said.

"At present, all students who are using the facility as part of their studies will complete their qualifications this academic year however, without the ability to use the site with a greater degree of flexibility than at present, the long term future of the farm unit remains uncertain."

The Crown Estate owns 1,430 hectares of forestry estate around Dunster which was originally purchased in 1950.