PEOPLE have the chance to have their say on proposals to create a new further education college for Cheshire and Warrington.

Following a review of further education provision across Cheshire and Warrington, four FE colleges - South Cheshire, West Cheshire, Mid Cheshire and Warrington Collegiate - have agreed to begin a merger process to create a new FE college for Cheshire and Warrington.

Mid Cheshire College has campuses at Northwich and Winsford, and South Cheshire College is based at Crewe.

The recommendation for a FE college for Cheshire and Warrington follows a Joint Area Review of post-16 provision in the region led by the Government’s FE Commissioner, Sir David Collins.

A public consultation has been launched to gather views and opinions on the proposed new FE College.

The consultation focuses on phase one of the proposed merger between South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College into a new FE college by January 2017.

The consultation also includes a proposal for a change of name to The Cheshire College.

Christine Russell, chairman of governors at West Cheshire College, said: “We have a very clear vision of what we want to achieve with the merger; but we also want to understand the views and opinions of students, employers, parents/guardians, employers and the wider community to ensure we meet their needs and expectations.”

Dame Pat Bacon, chairman of the Corporation at South Cheshire College, said: “The merger will create a stronger organisation delivering high quality outcomes for learners and employers and provide a strong delivery partner for LEP priorities for the region.”

The consultation runs until October 1.

A copy of the consultation document on the proposed merger and change of name is available free, and can be found at www.cheshirecollege.com.

Alternatively, a copy of the consultation document can be requested by emailing consultation@west-cheshire.ac.uk or consultation@scc.co.uk or in writing to - The Clerk of the Corporation, West Cheshire College, Off Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port, or The Clerk of the Corporation, South Cheshire College, Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe.

A summary of the consultation and its outcome will be published within two months of the end of the consultation.

It is proposed the creation of a new FE College for Cheshire and Warrington will be phased, starting with the merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College by January 2017, followed by Mid Cheshire College by August 2017 and Warrington Collegiate by January 2018.