THE future of a Hampshire college has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a neighbouring education centre pulled the plug on its potential rescue deal.

Bosses at Totton College are desperately trying to formulate a merger to secure the cash-strapped college’s future.

Now neighbouring Eastleigh College has ruled out joining with them after pulling out of negotiations for a rescue deal.

Last night Totton College principal Mike Gaston moved to reassure staff and students the college is continuing to search for a new partner.

He stressed courses will run as normal and that the establishment is actively recruiting for the next academic year.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Eastleigh College, in Chestnut Avenue, was interested in a potential merger with the Water Lane college.

It came after an announcement that Totton will not be financially viable past this year unless it takes drastic action to solve the cash crisis.

Minister for skills Nick Boles has written to the college urging it to take immediate action after a series of damning financial reports.

But following extensive talks, a statement released last night on behalf of Eastleigh College chief executive and principal Dr Jan Edrich said: “In any merger situation we would want to deliver the same outstanding level of provision for learners at all the sites whilst achieving the necessary economies of scale.

"We were unable to see how this would be possible, therefore we have now withdrawn from the Totton College process.”

In response Mr Gaston said he is continuing working with appointed consultants the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to secure a deal for his college, which has 1,000 16-19-year-old students studying a range of vocational courses including maths, humanities, performing arts, sports, hairdressing and media, plus 2,000 adult learners.

He said: “We have been advised by the EFA to continue recruiting for September 2015 intake.

"It’s important to highlight that meeting students’ needs will be at the heart of any decisions and the college has an ongoing commitment to ensure that all students have the opportunity to successfully complete their courses.”

According to Totton College’s own projected figures the monthly cash shortfalls rises from £160,000 in January to over £1m, in March 2015.

Moves to stabilise the immediate position including bringing forward its payments from the Education Funding Agency, increasing its bank overdraft and introducing new cost saving measures.

A spokesman for the EFA said: “We are aware that Totton College’s preferred partner has withdrawn.

"We are now working with the college to agree a solution that is in the best interests of its students and the community.”