THREE livestock managers at a Worcester college are to be laid off in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The men will be let go after governors at the Pershore Group of Colleges - which includes Hindlip on the outskirts of Worcester - decided money to replace the livestock should be re-invested into other areas of the college's curriculum.

Nearly 500 of the college's livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs, were culled under the Government's contiguous policy.

The policy resulted in the killing of the animals at the Hindlip campus, which was next to an infected farm.

During a meeting held last month, governors decided compensation for the animals would not be reinvested in animals, leaving the livestock managers at Hindlip redundant.

The decision will also leave the college's 150-acre Smite Farm up for sale.

Dr David Hall, the college's principal, said the redundancies had been very upsetting for all concerned. However, he added livestock might be purchased in the future but on a smaller scale.

"The foot-and-mouth crisis has brought about a painful and difficult period nationwide for all involved in farming and related industries," he said.

"And myself, the college governors, staff managers and staff are very saddened that the effect of this crisis has resulted in redundant posts at Hindlip.

"There's a continuing need to upgrade facilities across the college and we have to look at where our money is best spent.

"Unfortunately, the governors didn't feel it was wise to re-invest in the animals when we already have livestock facilities at Holme Lacy in Hereford which are available to our students.

"Most of the students working with the livestock are part-time and already work with livestock already."

Dr Hall added the initiative was to make the college a "centre of excellence" for all aspects of land-based industries.

Last year, the college opened its first phase of a £1m National Centre of Excellence for the Cider, Food & Drink Industries which will include state-of-the-art training facilities.

"The college is committed to meeting the needs of the farming industry," Dr Hall added.

"The governors wanted to use the money to enhance the excellence of the college across every subject and in every campus."