FORMER employees of Andover College have lodged an application to convert offices in the town centre to a school of English.

Ela Vigg founded Andover School of English in 2015 after the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department was closed at the college due to government cuts.

Since September 2015 the school had rented space at the Charlton Road facility, but due to "various changes in college management and structure" it has been forced to look elsewhere.

And it has now lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council to covert first floor offices in High Street into the school, with enrolment for the new term taking place this week.

Within the application, Ms Vigg said: "80 High Street seems to be an ideal place for our needs mainly due to its location. Most of our customers are local and travel to their classes by bus, or just walk. Central position of the school is crucial. Also, those travelling by car will be able to park in the town main car park."

The school has said that the premises will need minor alterations to fully meet its needs, including installing projectors, whiteboards and screens.

The kitchen would also be altered to make way for another office.

Ms Vigg added: "I would like the council to consider our application with consideration as to how much the town will benefit from our presence in the High Street. Our customers, once in town, tend to use local shops, bars, restaurants, cafes as well as other services available.

"They normally allocate more time than just for a session having made effort to leave home and come to town."

She continued: "Moreover, it goes without saying how much our activities contribute to the process of integration with the local community. Not only do we help people with their English skills, but also promote English culture and the diversity of the British society as its best feature."

The school caters for work immigrants, spouses of British citizens, au pairs working for local families and everybody staying in the country for a period of time wanting to make the most of it by learning the language and getting to know the culture.