Prime Minister's praise for Shrewsbury university

The Prime Minister described the work by the University of Chester to turn Shrewsbury into a university town as "magnificent".

His praise came as the University of Wolverhampton revealed it was expanding by creating a new town centre base called University Centre Telford.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, which opened University Centre Shrewsbury in partnership with The University of Chester, today insisted Telford's student centre was no threat.

He said: "We certainly wouldn't see it as a rival to our project in Shrewsbury. We would welcome any efforts or projects to support educational opportunities across the whole of Shropshire."

Mr Cameron spoke highly of Shrewsbury's efforts to boost its economy with both the university and its direct rail link with London at Prime Minister's Question Time yesterday.

Responding to a question from Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, he told the House of Commons: "I look forward to the opportunity of visiting Shrewsbury if I can. It's magnificent what's happening in Shrewsbury."

About 20 postgraduates have begun management studies and public health courses at University Centre Shrewsbury and further courses are expected to start early in the new year.

Lectures are being held in Rowley's House the town centre, but the main base for the university when it opens fully in September 2015 will be the Guildhall in Frankwell.

The council believes student numbers will grow steadily to up to 2,500 in the next five to seven years. Students will have 19 courses to choose from next year.

They include subjects as wide ranging as applied psychology, medical genetics and sports management.

The institution will be in partnership with the University of Chester, but the hope is that it will become "free standing" over time.

Postgraduate courses under way include management studies and public health courses.

The new university will be served by the new direct rail link to London, which was established following a campaign by the Shropshire Star and starts later this month.

Mr Cameron praised the move and said the new Virgin service, which will also call at Telford and Wellington, is part of improvements across the rail network.