Shrewsbury university's future in spotlight at meeting

Councillors, Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents' Association, Shrewsbury Civic Society, West Mercia Police, Shrewsbury Students' Union, University of Chester and Shropshire Council staff met at a recent event to discuss the centre.

Topics discussed covered curriculum, sites, student support and welfare, sports and societies, student volunteering, Welcome Week and the role of the proctor, including disciplinary procedures.

The event was part of ongoing activities organised to involve the community including one-to-one meetings, providing information at Shropshire events and meetings of organisations as well as public events at Rowley's House.

Representatives at the meeting ended by agreeing to look in more detail at the possibility of setting up a community liaison committee at University Centre Shrewsbury.

at the structure of the Community Liaison Committee in Chester and to bring community representatives together again later in the year to discuss whether a forum along the same lines, with a similar constitution, would be fitting for University Centre Shrewsbury.

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury deputy provost, said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given up their time to support the development of University Centre Shrewsbury. There was great interest, enthusiasm and insights shared on how we continue to ensure we are at the centre of the community, and make good progress for the institution, town and county."

"We are in a unique position to take on board feedback and put measures in place to address any concerns from the start."

Councillor Alan Mosley, who chaired the meeting, said: "These meetings are extremely important so that all stakeholders can share information, avoid any misunderstandings, deal positively with any concerns and share in the project's success.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of students to the town later this month."

People can call in at Rowley's House, Barker Street, to find out more about the university. The institution can also be contacted at enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or on (01244) 511000. Reception is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm each day, except for Wednesdays when it opens from 1pm to 4pm, and bank holidays. Information is also available at on University Centre Shrewsbury, go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk