David Ruffley MP will officially open Edmund House at West Suffolk College on 6 May. The 1950's industrial building has been converted into brand new accommodation for students and staff.

Mr Ruffley said: 'I am delighted to open this wonderful new part of West Suffolk College. Edmund House was originally constructed for engineering training, and was more recently used as an art and design centre. So it is particularly fitting that it will continue to be used for educational purposes. Despite the difficult climate for securing funding for redevelopment, West Suffolk College has gone from strength-to-strength. As the Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds I am proud to represent the College and I have seen first-hand the top notch further and higher education and training that it provides to people of all ages in Suffolk and neighbouring counties.

As we begin to move out of these difficult economic times ensuring that Suffolk people have the right skills to thrive in the global economy with become more and more important. Colleges such as West Suffolk have a key role to play in that. So I shall also be holding a further meeting with Martyn Wagner, the Vice Principal, who has particular responsibility for work with employers, and coordinates the delivery of work-based programmes such as apprenticeships, Train to Gain and Foundation degrees.'