With reference to the article regarding the donation of plumbing equipment to City College Brighton and Hove (The Argus, October 19), if private companies are prepared to invest in plumbing, why isn't the college management?

Facilities in the plumbing department are very basic.

The workshops are equipped with ageing tools and ancillary equipment. The lead welding area has been closed because of poor ventilation.

The college management is clearly unaware of the predicted shortfall within the industry because it does not seem to want to upgrade the plumbing department.

Without major investment we feel it will be difficult for us to pass the plumbing course.

We, as a group, have been at the college for 14 months and will shortly be on our fourth new member of staff.

When questioning departing staff on their reasons for leaving, they all reply "lack of investment".

Deputy principal John Evans replies:

City College has recently undergone an £8.2 refurbishment of many of its buildings and is currently engaged in detailed discussions about the next phases of redevelopment and refurbishment, which will allow the college to re-house all areas of construction training, including plumbing, in purpose-built premises.

The college has spent more than £40,000 over the past 12 months on plumbing premises and equipment, which includes a new assessment centre and additional tools.

As with any redevelopment, we are always very conscious of the impact on students.

The lead welding process has been temporarily stopped while the college prepares the necessary new ventilation equipment but the students' achievement of their qualifications will not be affected.

In fact, plumbing achievements are very good and the college has excellent relationships with local employers and training organisations.

However, the high profile and earnings of plumbers we have heard of in the Press recently inevitably has an impact on their willingness to join us in passing on their skills to young people through training.

This affects every college in the UK at the moment, where colleges are endeavouring to keep plumbing training in their curriculum.

We have taken some innovative steps to recruit staff, paying them while we train them, which will be evident to students very soon.

We cannot prevent existing staff who wish to leave to go "back on the tools" from doing so if they are attracted by the high wages currently available in the industry.

-We are a very open college and are always pleased to discuss matters like this with students to keep them abreast of our plans.