COMMENT: University’s extra cash is great news (From Worcester News)

COMMENT: University’s extra cash is great news

7:10am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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AS we reported yesterday, the University of Worcester was the biggest winner in this year’s battle for cash from the Government – and that is great news for the city.

Much of the current and proposed redevelopment of Worcester is dependent on the continued expansion of the university.

So the announcement that the university has secured £5.7 million from the Higher Education Funding Council and will be able to offer more than 400 additional student places from September should be welcomed by everyone who has a stake in making Worcester a 21st century success story.

The creation of a first class university and cathedral city is the stated aim of those charged with securing Worcester’s future prosperity. It is a vision this newspaper is happy to endorse.

Universities across the country are under pressure as public spending cuts begin to bite.

After 13 years of New Labour promising university places for half of the nation’s young people, there will be many disappointed teenagers this summer as funding is cut and places are reduced.

That Worcester has secured its continued expansion for another year is a tribute to the excellent work bring done by vice chancellor David Green and his team.

More students for the university means more money for the local economy. While we understand the concerns of some residents who live near the campus or student accommodation, the positives brought to Worcester by the university far outweigh the negatives.

The extra government funding secured by the university is a good news story and we should not be afraid to celebrate it.