A STRUGGLING college has been paid a visit by Government inspectors.

City College Brighton and Hove was visited by staff from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Wednesday.

The inspection comes after The Argus exclusively revealed the college had failed to pay a number of suppliers.

Documents seen by this newspaper suggest that the total amount owed by the college is in the tens of thousands of pounds.

The college’s under-fire principal and chief executive Lynn Thackway resigned, citing a family illness.

The Argus then revealed that students had been left in limbo after the cash-hit college was unable to pay exam boards.

Businesses told how the college’s cash flow problems would impact on suppliers across the city.

One business owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s bad enough for any business, especially a small or medium-sized business.”

Students told how they were made to wait five or six weeks to take exams, with one saying: “We didn’t even get a letter or email. Our tutor just apologised.”

Unions told of their concern, with a representative of Unison calling for an “urgent meeting” to discuss the college’s financial situation.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “Two further education advisers are visiting on behalf of the Further Education Commissioner in response to notification of concerns about the college’s financial health.

“This follows the process set out by our intervention strategy.

“The visit will report recommendations to ministers on how the college can improve its finances and any further actions which may be required.”

The Argus can also reveal that an agency within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is also working with the college to assess its financial standing.

A spokeswoman for the Skills Funding Agency said: “City College Brighton and Hove is currently working to addresses concerns with its financial health.

“The agency has requested a recovery plan and will take any action needed.”