COLLEGE governors in the North East have urged the Government to press ahead with plans for a merger.
The merger between Newcastle and Northumberland colleges had been put on hold by Further Education Minister John Hayes following a request from NCG, Newcastle College’s parent company.
Jamie Martin, chair of governors at Newcastle College, and Linda Ions, who holds the same position at Northumberland College, have written to Mr Hayes saying all issues between the two colleges have been resolved.
A report written for governors at Northumberland College detailed a number of concerns over the merger and questioned the way the merger was being handled by NCG. Mr Martin’s and Ms Ions’ letter says: “We have no hesitation in asking ask you to approve the merger between Northumberland College and NCG as a matter of urgency to enable both governing bodies to move forward together to address the important and pressing challenges facing Northumberland College.
“We would look to make this merger legally effective in January 2012.”
A public consultation earlier in the year on the merger plans saw 63% of those expressing an opinion opposing the move.
The Skills Funding Agency received more than 360 responses, the highest it has ever had to a merger consultation, with a large number of responses coming from staff at Northumberland College.
The responses included 81 standard letters of objection, which had been written by one person but signed and sent by others. The Skills Funding Agency backs the merger plans. Concerns over the merger were raised at a meeting of Northumberland County Council this week.
But a statement from NCG reiterated its commitment to the plans.
It said: “We have put in place an attractive investment package for the Ashington campus and we plan to invest to support the agricultural economy and Northumberland. We are investing over £77m in the North East over the next four years.
“We are building new educational facilities and improving those which need updating.”
As well as Newcastle College, NCG includes West Lancashire College and training group Intraining.
NCG also announced yesterday its merger with a national training provider, Rathbone.
