Long-distance relationship

Royal Holloway, University of London, and St George's, University of London, recently called off their year-long engagement, which promised the higher education marriage (and divorce) from hell ("Finance worries kill off medical school merger", 1 October).

The plan to merge two campuses 30 miles apart was always academically and financially unfeasible. It must have come as a relief to all concerned that the merger was scrapped: it is puzzling that this scheme was ever presented as a serious proposition.

Royal Holloway now needs to invest in its under-resourced Egham campus and build upon its successful collaborations, including its Swan alliance with St George's and Kingston University, without sacrificing its independence.

Anthony Rodriguez (former Royal Holloway student), Staines, Middlesex.