FEARS that Alton College is losing its identity have been raised, as its name changes following a government-induced merger last year with Havant and South Downs College (HSDC).

Now HSDC Alton, the move has been viewed by some, not as a merger, but more of a takeover by HSDC which has lost Alton its identity and its voice.

Not so, according to Havant-based principal Mike Gaston, who believes HSDC Alton will be “even stronger going forward with the resources and the synergies of partnering with two other vibrant campuses”.

According to Mr Gaston, since the merger HSDC has invested £1 million in IT infrastructure on the Alton campus and a further £1m on health and safety issues.

With applications up for September 2020, Mr Gaston added: “Alton will never be an afterthought but rather an equal partner as it is now clearly part of the HSDC family. We have worked hard over the last ten months to develop a one college, three campus entity.

“Not two or three individual colleges, but one.”

A glaring anomaly is the decision to continue with the HSDC branding – as many have pointed out, there is no ‘A’ in HSDC.

Mr Gaston was clear: “We are one college, one college staff, one principal, one board and it is imperative we identify as that.

“However, I am well aware of the tension regarding the loss of the older Alton College brand. That is why we are keen to ensure we keep the name Alton after HSDC where appropriate.”

Co-founder of The Alton College Foundation (ACF) charity Nicholas Branch is not impressed.

While the merger may make economic sense, he believes “what is unforgivable is the hasty and avoidable obliteration of the Alton College brand, with its reputation for the pursuit of excellence”.

“We are concerned that the same lack of appreciation of the brand and its promotion will apply to the level of support by HSDC’s teaching staff who are so essential to the smooth operation and success of our scholarship programme,” he added.

ACF managing director, Trevor Heley, is equally troubled over the rebranding of the college, and “without prior knowledge” of the foundation.

Trustees, he said, had been under the impression the college would continue to be known by its existing name.

Both he and Mr Branch fear for the future of the 20-year-old foundation which, with the backing of supporters has awarded more than 300 scholarships for excellence.

They fear backers may find the new brand to be “retrogressive” and withdraw their support.

But Mike Gaston says he values the support of the local community in encouraging students on the Alton campus, adding: “I would hope that could continue.”