ABERYSTWYTH University spent £843 on refreshments for a “garden party” to thank the controversial outgoing vice-chancellor April McMahon.

The Ffrindiau Pantycelyn campaign group, which obtained the figure under the Freedom of Information Act, has criticised the university for spending the money at a time when the future of the Pantycelyn Welsh-language halls of residence was in doubt.

A Ffrindiau Pantycelyn spokesperson said: “After the university insisted that money was scarce and this would endanger the re-opening of Neuadd Pantycelyn, it defies all common sense that the university has paid nearly a thousand pounds to hold a farewell party for Prof McMahon.

An Aberystwyth University spokesperson said: “When a senior member of staff leaves, it is normal practice to hold an event like this to mark the occasion and give colleagues an opportunity to bid a formal farewell."

Read the full story in this week’s Cambrian News, in shops Wednesday