A CONSULTATION has been launched into a proposed merger between two of the area’s largest colleges, which could result in a new campus.

Stroud College and Filton College intend to merge to give them ‘a position of strength’.

Both colleges are currently successful independently, but they believe that a merged institution would secure a sound future while responding to the implications of the expected funding cuts over the next few years.

Earlier in the year when interviewed by the Gazette, Stroud College principal Beri Hare said their long-term plan was to open a new campus, possibly near Dursley, due to a growing need to serve thousands of college age students living around Yate, Thornbury, Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge.

The plans would take several years to come to fruition but are being proposed to help fight against cuts.

"We have to make cutbacks in the college, because we will have less income in future years, so we have to find new ways to offer services," said Mrs Hare.

"Together we can be more effective and can exploit opportunities, we can share costs and resources as well as expertise."

John Hugget, chairman of Filton College Corporation, said: "As two governing bodies, we are committed to providing the best possible environment for learners, building on the complementary strengths of our two existing colleges."

The five week consultation period will finish on July 20, and if the merger is approved, it is likely that both current college corporations will be dissolved and a new college created on January 1, 2012.

Anyone wishing to access further information and respond to the proposal can do so at www.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/allthelatest/consultations