TWO of East Lancashire’s colleges could be set to merge after talks started over their futures.

Accrington and Rossendale College and Burnley College have held discussions recently over collaborating further.

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It comes before further education colleges across the county are set to be reviewed from September with one of the potential outcomes being the formal merging of some institutions.

In separate statements released by both colleges, a spokesman said: “In line with many colleges in Lancashire, Burnley College and Accrington and Rossendale College are discussing the possibility of collaboration.

“This is aligned with government strategic direction and the national area review process for further education colleges.”

Lancashire is in the ‘fourth wave’ of area reviews which are being held this year in a government bid to make further education in England more ‘productive’ and more ‘efficient’.

In September, colleges in East Lancashire will be reviewed together. while those in ‘Coastal Lancashire’ will be inspected together.

Cllr Marcus Johnstone, who used to lecture at both colleges, said: “I cannot say I am surprised about this news, even when I was at AccRoss it was struggling to sustain sixth form provision so it would make sense for them to merge in terms of economics.

“I do hope though that students from Rossendale are not going to be made to travel miles.

“The challenge is to do what is right for the economics of the situation without damaging the quality of service.”

Graham Jones, Hyndburn MP, said: “It’s a blow for Accrington and Rossendale College to lose its independence but the most important thing is making sure the education provision in the area is the best it can be."

In a government document setting out the scope of the reviews, skills minister Nick Boles said: “We have a productivity challenge in England and addressing it is a national priority.

“To achieve this we need education and training institutions which have high status and are centres of expertise.”