University boss reaffirms commitment to county

The University of Wolverhampton's decision to close its campus in Shropshire has prompted the vice chancellor of Harper Adams University to reaffirm his commitment to the county.

Prof Ken Sloan said he understood universities across the country were "taking difficult decisions in the light of recent and emerging financial challenges".

The University of Wolverhampton has not yet made a statement on its decision, which follows the University of Chester being forced to leave its campus in Shropshire last year.

Prof Sloan said: "I want our region to know we are, and will remain, Telford's and Shropshire's university.

Ruth Ross, the chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said the loss of the University of Wolverhampton campus was "disappointing news – particularly on the back of the University of Chester's withdrawal from Shrewsbury last year".

She said she was "aware that the university had been facing financial pressures", which included a decision to scrap its bus service between the campus and its main base in Wolverhampton.

But she said the Telford area was "fortunate to still be blessed with many award-winning educational facilities".

She noted the recent opening of a new education centre in Telford, run by Harper Adams University and Telford College, and said Keele University had plans to deliver courses there.

Prof Sloan said he shared the optimism of Telford MP Shaun Davies about the future of university provision in the area.

He added: "Telford and Shropshire have groundbreaking businesses in highly competitive sectors and need employees with the skills to drive their growth."

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