A CASH-STRAPPED college has failed to pay its suppliers on time – with documents suggesting the total amount owed could be as high as tens of thousands of pounds.

Businesses have contacted this newspaper to say they are owed a substantial amount of cash by City College Brighton and Hove.

Documents seen by The Argus suggest the outstanding payments run well into five figures.

Some businesses claim they are owed money dating back beyond a 60-day limit the college had previously set as its benchmark last April.

The specific details cannot be revealed to protect the identities of the businesses concerned.

One business owner, who did not want to be named, said the college’s cash flow problems would impact on suppliers across the city.

The owner added: “It’s bad enough for any business, especially a small or medium-sized business.”

City College said it would not reveal the precise amount it owes its suppliers.

A spokesman for City College said: “Regrettably, some of the college’s suppliers have aged accounts.

“We are working closely with suppliers with outstanding accounts to ensure that payment plans are in place and it is always our aim that communications are clear and open.”

He added that the period between December and March is the “most challenging” for the college’s funding profile, which is set by the Government, because it is at its lowest point.

He said: “This is impacting on the short-term on our ability to make all of our supplier payments.

“Going forward, City College is committed to resolving any outstanding issues with suppliers and our focus continues to be providing exemplary education and training to local people through a first-class teaching staff committed to the success of their students.”

The news follows stories in The Argus last April which told how the college was falling behind with suppliers while looking to make £1.5 million in cuts.

However, in an interview with this paper at the time, principal Lynn Thackway said all suppliers would be paid and up-to-date by the end of June last year.

Despite the latest news, the college maintains that its capital redevelopment plans for its Pelham Street campus, forecasted to cost £79 million when proposals were approved in December 2013, will still go ahead.

The college spokesman said: “We are still finalising some aspects of the project. With a complex and large capital project of this nature, this is to be expected.”

Last summer, the college axed nearly 50 full-time staff posts as it looked to balance its books.