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The University of Leeds this week denied rumours that plans to merge with nearby Bretton Hall College in Wakefield have collapsed.

The merger is still scheduled to go ahead pending the outcome of a long process of due diligence that has so far led to the suspension of four senior members of staff.

David Sugden, acting college head, confirmed that there were still issues about college finances to be resolved with the Higher Education Funding Council for England. It is hoped that the investigations will be complete by the end of the year, he said.