MP backing for town university (From Dudley News)

MP backing for town university

10:17am Thursday 13th March 2008

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CALLS for a university campus in Dudley made by town MP Ian Austin have met with a cool response from council chiefs.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin has urged Dudley Council to make a strong bid for a campus in the town claiming it would give residents a further platform for learning and aid the town's economic regeneration.

The plea came after government university chiefs called for funding for 20 university centres across the country over the next six years, providing places for up to 10,000 students.

Mr Austin said: "Bringing increased and improved training to Dudley has always been a top priority of mine and what's why I am calling on Dudley Council to do everything they can to get our town a university.

"I strongly believe that the council's first step should be to consult the local community and local businesses.

"There is no doubt that both local businesses and the local community as a whole would benefit massively from the jobs skills and opportunities a university campus would bring to Dudley.

"I will do everything I can in my power to help Dudley get a university campus. I truly believe that everyone in Dudley could benefit from a successful bid."

But Dudley Council education chief Liz Walker claims there is no need for a campus in Dudley at the moment with adequate services provided for students in nearby Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

She said: "What could we actually provide in a small campus in Dudley that we could not provide in Wolverhampton or Birmingham.

"We have three good colleges in the borough that offer national degree level courses. New is not always better, there could be a dilution if we had a university campus in Dudley.

"Young people travel well these days. We already have good universities in Wolverhampton and Birmingham. It's good for young people to fly and we should encourage them to do so. Taking them out of their usual situation is a good opportunity to come back and share their wealth and experience in Dudley. Creating a new university campus? I'm not sure that would do anything."

What do you think? Write to Dudley News, St John's House, St John's Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1EH or email rachel.hickman@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

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