JAMES Watt College could be set to merge with Reid Kerr in Paisley under controversial new cutbacks.

The Scottish Government has released plans for a shake-up of further education and says colleges in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde could be brought together.

The government insists that financial pressures mean it can no longer afford individual institutions serving overlapping areas.

But Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is opposed to the plan.

Mr McNeil said: "The education secretary, Mike Russell, has revealed he is to set up regional clusters of colleges through forced mergers, and has put an amalgamation of James Watt and Reid Kerr on his agenda.

"They are to form the new west region under the controversial shake-up.

"I fear this will mean local decisions on funding and course provision being taken in Paisley." The MSP pointed out that James Watt has been at the heart of Inverclyde for many years, helping many local people gain the skills to get their first job.

He added: "I have very real fears this distinct identity which has been established at the James Watt over many years will be threatened by a forced merger.

"Rather than simply cutting costs, the Scottish Government must work with colleges like James Watt to find the best way of allowing people the opportunity to learn and develop new skills." The Scottish Government confirmed it its seeking to 'regionalise' further education and refused to rule out a merger between James Watt and Reid Kerr.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Our pre-legislative paper 'Putting Learners at the Centre' makes clear the proposed regionalisation of the college sector can be achieved in several different ways.

"Merging is just one option." The consultation plans are designed to make savings, through 'federations, mergers or other innovative means'.

The document says that 'a series of mergers to create regional colleges' is the best way forward.

It then goes on to list regional groupings of colleges including one called 'West' for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

There is also one for 'Ayrshire' - which could take over James Watt's Kilwinning campus.

James Watt College chiefs today claimed they were relaxed about the proposals.

Principal Sue Pinder said: "We are already working collaboratively with our partners, both locally and nationally, and do not anticipate this will change."