by CAROLINE COOLEY

The consultation process on the proposed merger of two of Harrow's further education colleges was launched yesterday (Wednesday).

Meetings will be held later this month to seek the views of those who would be affected by the union of Greenhill in Harrow and Weald in Harrow Weald, and a consultation document, approved by the Further Education Funding Council, is being sent out to organisations in Harrow and surrounding boroughs.

"While it does put forward a thorough case, and it is the preferred path of the governing bodies of both colleges, it is a flexible working document," said principals Simon Kitchener, Greenhill, and Dr Barbara Field, Weald, in a joint statement.

The document explains the background and reasons for the merger, which include keeping up with competition from other boroughs and preventing duplication of work.

Suggested names for a merged institution range from Harrow College; New College Harrow; and Harrow Community College, but it is likely the names Greenhill and Weald will be retained for its two main campuses.

The colleges formally announced their plans to merge last month with a pledge there would be no redundancies and one of the existing principals would be selected to head the new college by a merged board of governors. If it goes ahead, the merger should be complete by June.

The consultation document is available free from the FEFC, Metropolis House, 22 Percy Street, W1P 0LL. Views can be submitted in writing by December 14.

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