A STRIKE by lecturers at Kidderminster College prompted many students to stay away from the campus earlier this week.

Principal Andrew Miller described the college as "very quiet" on Tuesday as university and college lecturers union NATFHE members joined national strike action over pay.

He said a lot of students had not come in, preferring to take advantage of the good weather and avoid the "extra hassle" caused by the one-day disruption.

He added all exams scheduled for the day were taking place as planned and the college was striving to provide a normal a service as possible.

There was, however, concern strike action would cause disruption at a time when revision and examinations were at the forefront of students' minds.

A spokeswoman added: "At the present time, this year's annual pay rise for lecturers is being negotiated nationally for implementation from August 2001.

"Kidderminster College awarded staff a 3.3 per cent pay increase for 2000-2001 and it will consider any national recommendations arising from the current pay negotiations in the context of what the college can afford to pay."

Meanwhile, it has been announced Bristol-based GVA Grimley is to oversee the proposed £9 million relocation of the college from the outskirts of Kidderminster to the centre.

Under the scheme, the existing Hoo Road campus will be sold off for housing development, funding the construction of the new campus in Market Street by 2003.