Two principals have defended controversial plans to merge their colleges amid mounting concern.

The proposals will create just one, large post-16 college in Eastbourne.

Six secondary school headteachers from the Eastbourne Education Federation have voiced concern about merging Park and Sussex Downs Colleges.

The federation, led by Cavendish headteacher Mark Dawkins, say having one sixth form college in Eastbourne would narrow diversity and choice for parents and students.

Post-16 students attend Park College in Kings Drive from more than 20 schools across Sussex, including Bexhill and Ringmer.

However, some parents believe Sussex Downs, which has campuses in Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven, would merely "swallow up" its much smaller neighbour.

Sussex Downs was formed following the merger last year of Eastbourne College of Arts and Technology (Ecat) and Lewes Tertiary College.

With more than 1,000 staff and 4,500 full-time and 22,000 part-time students, Sussex Downs is the largest college in the county.

However, Phil Frier, principal at Park, and John Blake, principal at Sussex Downs, say merging would lead to greater choice and better resources.

Mr Frier and Dr Blake hope to convince headteachers when consultation begins after the governing bodies of Park and Sussex Downs agreed to consider merging.

They said: "Both colleges have a very positive working relationship with the secondary schools, which can only be enhanced by a merger.

"Far from being swallowed up by Sussex Downs, Park College's impressive reputation and strong identity will remain intact and it will benefit from being a larger organisation."

The final decision rests with the Department of Education. Should it be approved, it could go ahead in mid-2003.

Proposals are their infancy and it is not known where the college would be based if the plans get the go-ahead.