A CHARITY planning to take over a troubled Hampshire college and save it from closure has vowed that the deal will go ahead.

The National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro) rejected claims that the proposed merger could be blocked by the Charity Commission.

Nacro, which has taken legal advice, said there was nothing to prevent its amalgamation with Totton College.

The merger, described by the chairman of governors, Mike Hawker, as the only alternative to closure, is due to be completed at the end of next month.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the college launched a search for a partner after facing a financial crisis caused by a drop in student numbers.

After talks with Eastleigh College fell through the staff opened talks with Nacro.

The organisation plans to continue running vocational courses for the general public and has told the Charity Commission that it intends to change its stated objectives, which are currently limited to “reducing crime and offending”.

The Commission claims the proposed changes require its consent.

But Nacro spokesman Peter Stanhope said the charity did not need to make the alterations and was only doing so for the sake of “complete transparency”.

He also said there was no reason why the Commission would not approve the changes.

Mr Stanhope added: “Nacro is committed to the longterm continuance at Totton College as a vocational centre of excellence for the benefit of the local community.”

Mr Stanhope also dismissed suggestions that Nacro was planning to sell part of the campus for housing.

“I can categorically deny we have got plans to build houses on any part of the college site,” he said.

A Charity Commission spokesman added: “The charity has approached us to amend its objectives, which would widen its beneficiary class beyond offenders and those at risk of offending.

“Those changes require the consent of the Commission and we have requested further information from the trustees on the proposed changes.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, the cash crisis confronting the college has resulted in it axing A-level courses.