EMERGENCY funds have saved a skills centre in Harwich opening late.

Tendring Council has given £32,000 to Colchester Institute’s Energy Skills Centre in Parkeston so it can open in time in January.

Cash will pay for a new power supply to the headquarters, at Hamilton House, Foster Road, as well as improvements to create two IT suits, wireless networking, a fitted kitchen and common room facilities.

The improvements would have had to be scrapped if the college’s bid was unsuccessful, to keep the opening of the centre on track.

Money will be paid back if it can be found from other sources.

The Energy Skills Centre will provide further education, apprenticeship and employment programmes to more than 150 people by July 2013.

Students will learn about different sources of energy to give them a full breadth and understanding of the subject.