Calls for new Shrewsbury university to be 'done properly'
The creation of a university in Shrewsbury needs to "done right" amid fears an influx of students could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour, it has been claimed.
Councillor Alan Mosley said he had been told of concerns from residents in the town over unclear accommodation plans and further proposals for teaching accommodation serving University Centre Shrewsbury.
He said there was some risk of discord in communities where there was a large influx of students in multi-occupancy houses and also a potential rise in anti-social behaviour.
The claims were made at a meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council last night, where councillors agreed a motion to make Shropshire Council and the University of Chester – which will manage the new university in its early years – aware of these issues and try to get more involved in the community.
The town council has previously stated that it is supportive of the university project, which has already seen about 20 postgraduate students start courses based at Rowley's House.
The main base for lectures from September will be the former Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council offices at the Guildhall in Frankwell.
The former reference library on Castle Gates will become the University Centre Shrewsbury's library, and options for accommodation for students are still being considered.
Councillor Mosley said: "These issues are of real concern. The dangers are there and I don't think things are being done quickly enough.
"There has been no consultation with the public as yet that I am aware of.
"I'm almost 100 per cent in favour of it but we need to allay people's fears.
"We are posing questions here that need asking for the good of it."
Councillor Miles Kenny said: "What we need to do is get this right, and we have an opportunity to get it right."
Councillor Peter Nutting also called for more details to released.
Undergraduate courses are due to start in autumn 2015 and students will have 19 courses to choose from when it opens its doors next year.
They include subjects as wide ranging as applied psychology, medical genetics and sports management – which will be taught from the Guildhall in Frankwell.
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 at University Centre Shrewsbury.
A business administration masters course was due to start during the autumn and further courses are expected to start early in the new year.
