ALMOST 40 jobs are at risk at an agricultural college, it has emerged.

East Durham College has informed 37 staff at its Houghall campus, near Durham City, that they are at risk of redundancy.

A consultation period has begun, running until Friday, June 10.

The cuts, which college chiefs have described as a re-structuring, are said to follow substantial funding cuts.

Bosses hope the number of compulsory redundancies will be minimal.

Houghall was formerly one of the country’s foremost agricultural colleges. In recent years, it has expanded its curriculum to include many other subjects.

Multi-million pound plans to transform the picturesque spot into a fantasy theme park collapsed last year.

But the college’s board pledged to refurbish the campus, recruit more students and restore some of its former glory.

At the time, principal Stuart Wesselby said he wanted Houghall to be ‘an outstanding agricultural college’ with more stables and an indoor equine area, as well as more sport and more commercial activities.

Earlier this month, Houghall reported a 25 per cent increase in student applications, including a 39 per cent rise in applications for agricultural courses, 38 per cent for equine studies and 21 per cent for animal care.

However, in a statement, an East Durham College spokesman confirmed 37 members of staff had been advised they are at risk of redundancy.

He said: "The consultation has been necessary following a curriculum planning exercise based on next year’s allocation and a re-structure at Houghall was therefore proposed.

"The current proposal has a number of job opportunities and we are confident that any possible compulsory redundancies will be minimal.

"Teaching and learning is continuing as normal in all areas of the college and we thank our staff for their dedication and professionalism during this unsettling time."