STAFF at a cash-strapped college are preparing to leave their classrooms in protest for the second time in a week.

On Wednesday, lecturers and staff from Darlington College will stage another demonstration as a row about pay cuts intensifies.

Staff protested last week over proposals that could see lecturers’ wages slashed by up to ten per cent as a result of the college’s precarious financial position.

They are now preparing to demonstrate again following the collapse of a proposed merger between the college and Stockton Riverside College.

Darlington College has been accused of wasting money at a time of financial instability, with members of the University and College Union (UCU) demanding to know how much was spent considering the merger.

UCU’s regional official, Joyce McAndrew, said: “The money spent looking at the merger and the government-backed area reviews which recommended it, could have been far better spent on education for the people of Darlington.

“Now the merger issue is out of the way, it’s time for the college management to turn their attention to staff protests about pay cuts.

“We have seen teaching hours go up but no pay rises here in recent years.

“After wasting time and money looking at a merger, the college now needs to get back to properly rewarding its staff.”

Staff will stage Wednesday’s protest outside the main entrance to the college from noon.