A BALLOT for strike action by Barnsley College lecturers and staff opens on Tuesday as the campaign for the reinstatement of sacked lecturer Bob Willerton gathers pace.

Members of the University and College Union have just over a week to vote on the proposal and a public rally is also being planned for Tuesday.

Meanwhile an on-line petition in support of the former head of engineering and computing has over 400 signatures.

Mr Willerton was controversially dismissed last Tuesday following a disciplinary hearing where he was accused of gross misconduct. He was told he had given a colleague a final warning and an opportunity to turn things around instead of sacking him.

A number of letters and messages criticise the management style of college bosses, chiefly the principal Paula Whittle, vice-principal Phil Cook and head of human resources Steve Butler.

One message read: "It is quite clear that the only people committing gross misconduct is those that sacked him – they should show humility and reconsider their ill judged decision."

Dave Gibson, branch secretary of the UCU, said: "We are asking for a special meeting with the governors to discuss the issue around this and particularly the loss in confidence our members are feeling in relation to the three senior post holders and that has implications for the whole college."

It is hoped that Mr Willerton will be reinstated following his appeal but if not strike action is expected to take place a week after the ballot closes.