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A QUESTION mark once again hangs over the future of Wrexham’s university.

Last year the Leader launched its Hands off our Uni campaign, calling for education minister Leighton Andrews to reject proposals that would see Glyndwr University lose its independence.

The Higher Education Council for Wales (HEFCW’s) proposed that Glyndwr join a new group led by Bangor and Aberystwyth universities.

But after a successful Leader campaign in which hundreds of our reader coupons were delivered to the Senedd in Cardiff by Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, Mr Andrews rejected the proposals. Instead, he said the future of higher education in North East Wales should be looked at again.

And yesterday he announced a review panel had been set up to come up with alternative proposals.

He said: “I considered there was a case for considering more closely the existing pattern of provision in North East Wales and for examining further the options for securing greater regional coherence.

“I am now able to confirm an independent review panel is to be established under the chairmanship of Professor Sir Adrian Webb that will undertake the review of higher education provision.

“I have tasked the panel with providing an informed, clear and unbiased opinion on what form of HE provision will best service the economic, social and learner needs of the region.”

The panel’s objectives will be to establish the sort of higher education in the region should offer and recommend improved models for it to be delivered.

Graham Jackson, chairman of KK Fine Foods based in Deeside, spearheaded a campaign to protect the university in the interest of the businesses it serves.

He is now calling on the review panel to ensure Glyndwr remains “the driving force” behind higher education in North East Wales.

He said: “I think it’s very good news that the review is going to start, providing it doesn’t take too long to complete and is both transparent and actionable.

“We hope the review is decisive and based around Glyndwr, as it is the driving force in our area.

“The business community would like to be part of the review – the business community needs to grow closer to the university.”

Mr Skates said he looked forward to working with the panel, which he described as a “distinguished and knowledgeable group”.

He said: “During last year’s campaign to protect Glyndwr University, in large part driven by concerns raised by readers of the Leader, it became clear the needs of students and businesses in North East Wales were quite unique.

“The point we made very forcibly was that the region’s geography and existing close relationships with industry meant an effective merger with Aberystwyth and Bangor universities was not a viable runner.”

Glyndwr vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Michael Scott said the university “has been seeking to transform higher education in North East Wales for many years” and the review would enable it to demonstrate “how it can further contribute to the economic and social development of the region”.

He added: “I believe the process will allow us to build on our many achievements as a strong, independent university and a key part of the Welsh economy.”

The review panel will report to Mr Andrews at the end of April next year.

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