A TROUBLED Hampshire college has announced it is in talks with another party to secure its long-term future.

Totton College said its board of governors is in talks with a “leading education provider” to try to bring stability, but refused to confirm who that provider was despite speculation it is crime charity Nacro.

It comes after a proposed merger with Eastleigh College fell through earlier this year.

A spokesman said: “The college’s board of governors are proceeding at pace in detailed discussions with a potential partner.

“The partner is a national organisation recognised as a leading education provider by Ofsted.

“All partners are fully committed to securing a sustainable solution that works in the best interest of our students and the local community.

“Negotiations and due diligence continue and an announcement will be made in the coming weeks to ensure that current and future students can make plans for the future.”

The spokesman refused to name the potential partner but said an announcement could be made after Easter.

It is understood representatives from the crime reduction charity Nacro have been visiting the site, but the spokesman would not comment on whether the organisation was in talks with college. A spokesman for Nacro, an organisation which works with disadvantaged young people, young offenders or those at risk of offending, also declined to comment.

Unison regional organiser Andy Straker criticised the secrecy surrounding the identity of the potential merger partners and highlighted the concerns of worried college employees.

He said: “The problem is we don’t know what the option is and we can’t ask questions when they don’t tell you who it is.

“The uncertainty is a real problem and it must be awful for the staff.”

Meanwhile principal Mike Gaston has stood down from his post. As previously reported by the Daily Echo Mr Gaston confirmed he would be leaving the helm at Easter to take up another role.

He will be succeeded by vice-principal Jo Landles until any merger is finalised.

The Daily Echo previously revealed that the college will not be viable after this year unless drastic action is taken to solve the cash crisis, and Nick Boles, Minister for Skills, called for immediate action following damning financial reports.

The Calmore Road-based college has about 1,000 students aged between 16 and 19, as well as 2,000 adult learners.