A CONTROVERSIAL college merger would be “a coming together of equals” rather than a takeover says the principal.

However, opponents have urged those with a stake in Worcester College of Technology to oppose the move at a key meeting today.

A proposal has been made to dissolve the Corporation of Worcester College of Technology and hand over its property, rights and liabilities to Corporation of Worcestershire College – the proposed new name of North East Worcestershire College.

The move has led to concerns by some, expressed anonymously, about the future of the college in the city’s Deansway.

We have already reported the concerns by one member of staff about the relocation of business support staff to Redditch, and now an anonymous letter has been handed in under the title “Save Worcester College of Technology”.

The letter urges people to take a stand at tonight’s meeting.

The college proposes to dissolve its corporation on August 1.

The Corporation of North East Worcestershire College is separately proposing to the Secretary of State to change its name to Worcestershire College, the same day.

Students midway through their courses would complete their studies at Worcestershire College.

Stuart Laverick, principal of Worcester College of Technology, said: “The proposed merger will provide greater choice to help raise aspirations and significantly improve employability prospects.

“Both organisations are comparable and financially sound in their own right. The proposed merger is a coming together of equals, to share expertise and to complement strengths.

“There are no plans to alter the location of any courses for the 2014-2015 academic year. The merger will provide an opportunity to share specialist facilities to improve learner experience.”

The proposal is subject to consultation until Thursday, April 17.

The anonymous letter handed in to the Worcester News read: “Staff morale is very low.

“Information given has been sketchy and staff are in the dark about their future.

“We need to inform the public as to what the future holds for our students, or will they have to travel to Redditch?

“If WCT is dissolved, Worcester will be left without an identifiable college and will be governed by a college in Redditch.

“Why can’t we be the hub and not Redditch?”

The meeting is at 6.30pm in The View, All Saints’ Building, Deansway.