Crucial talks are continuing over the controversial proposed merger between Bradford College and the city's university.

Education chiefs at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which funds post-16 education, were due to decide whether or not to back the merger during a meeting yesterday. But it is understood that the LSC has now asked college and university chiefs to reconsider several issues in their business plans.

The past few days have seen frantic last-minute talks with leaders of both the college and university involved in separate discussions with the LSC.

The Council of the LSC was due to rule yesterday whether the business case put forward for the £100 million merger next year is feasible, and whether it should be recommended to the Government.

Problems are thought to centre on funding. About £60 million of the £100 million cost would be capital expenditure on rebuilding the joint campus as a 'Learning Village' and another £40 million would be revenue costs, including staff restructuring.

Today an LSC spokesman would not give details of the points of issue raised during yesterday's meeting which lasted more than two hours. "The proposals are still being considered," he said.

Meanwhile - as reported in the Tele-graph & Argus last week - two thirds of university lecturers have voted against a merger. They have accused the university's management of being increasingly "exposed" in continuing to pursue the plan.

In a joint statement before yesterday's meeting, Professor Chris Taylor, vice-chancellor of the university, and Alan Hodgson, principal of Bradford College, said: "The proposed merger has reached a crucial stage in the process and there are a number of key meetings over the next few days.

"Both institutions remain committed to the vision for providing the best possible education and training opportunities for the city, district and region."

But some supporters believe the merger might now be in doubt.

Terry Rooney, MP for Bradford North, said he understood the deal was doomed.

He said: "The big question now is how will each institution go forward.

"I support the merger. The idea of a single institution taking you from adult education through to a PhD is fantastic, and would be an absolute asset to the district.

"I am very very disappointed that this has happened. It's short-sighted.

"It will be to the detriment of both institutions."