A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is embroiled in a dispute over the new name for a college - labelling it "grossly insensitive".

Sir Peter Luff says a bid to re-name Worcester College of Technology 'Worcestershire College' is an "aggressive act" that could harm rival institutions.

The Conservative says there are two other colleges in the county, South Worcestershire and Pershore, and the controversial name change could confuse potential students and give it a huge advantage when cherry picking the best talent.

As your Worcester News has already revealed, the proposed new name has come about because of the merger between the technology college and North East Worcestershire College from August.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Mr Luff, who says he is not against the merger in principle, has fired off an angry email to college chiefs lambasting the name.

It is currently in the hands of the Government, which is being tasked with making a final decision.

In the email, seen by your Worcester News, Mr Luff says: " I strongly oppose the name 'Worcestershire College' and have made my position very clear to the Government.

"Have you had confirmation of this name yet? I had hoped to prevent things coming to this.

"Sorry to be negative, but it is a grossly insensitive name when you are not the only further education college in the county, but one of three.

"South Worcestershire and Pershore, both in my constituency, are excellent institutions that would be marginalised by the name chosen for the new Worcester and Bromsgrove College.

"This county-wide name for a college that only serves part of the county would make their marketing much more difficult and be confusing to potential students.

"Indeed, it looks a very aggressive act to me - I urge the governors to think again."

The criticism has been rejected by college bosses, who say the name "reflects the catchment area".

A spokesman said: "As part of the consultation process all stakeholders were invited to comment on the name of the merged College.

"Subsequently an application has been made to the (Government's) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on the proposed name.

"We are currently waiting for their response.

"We believe the name reflects the catchment area of our learners as we provide training in all areas of the county."