A BITTER attack on Government policies startled diners during a lunch at Bolton College in Manchester Road. Sir Clifford Chetwood, Chairman of the Construction Industry training Board, was in town to open the North-west Roofing Training Centre at the college. "We as an industry have been ravaged by a Government that has no feeling for what we are and what we represent," he declared.

Sir Clifford, who is a former chairman of Wimpey Construction UK, said the construction industry was fighting all the time against political pressures and cited cut-backs in such things as maintenance and road projects over the last six years.

"Even now we are in recession and you will know from what you read in the press that it is going to get worse," he said. But he was upbeat about the new £150,000 centre, which he described as "a statement of faith" by an industry which had had no help.

He stressed the need for developing skills in the industry and said it was these young people who represented the future of the country - "and not, perhaps, some of the older people who make the short-term decisions."

Last year Bolton College beat off stiff opposition from other North-west Further Education Colleges to be nominated as the most suitable venture for the prestigious centre.

It provides quality training in three areas - slating and tiling, built-up felt roofing and roof sheeting and cladding.

Short courses for industry are also provided on demand.

The centre is the result of a unique partnership between Bolton College, the CITB, Bolton Bury Training and Enterprise Council, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the North West Roofing Training Group.

It has been developed to raise the profile and status of the roofing sector and to enhance skill development and training standards within the industry and associated trades. The development is next to the College's newly-renovated catering and restaurant facilities and consists of a 6.5m high portal frame building which is combined with existing workshop areas, custom-designed office, classroom and conference facilities.

About 100 guests at the lunch heard Terry Hogan, the College Principal, give details of other projects which form part of a £10m investment programme due to be completed by the end of the century.

Afterwards Sir Clifford unveiled a plaque in the new roofing centre.

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