The opening of the University of Cumbria marks the start of a new period of economic and social benefits for the county, as well improved educational opportunities says Cumbria County Council.
Speaking on the day of the official opening of the university (Wednesday 1 August), leader of the council Tim Stoddard and cabinet member for children's services Philip Chappelhow both congratulated the university and hailed the wealth of opportunities it would bring to Cumbria.
Councillor Tim Stoddard said:
"Cumbria will reap a host of economic and social benefits by having a university in the county.
"It will play a vital part in bringing new people into the county and will become part of the region's economic life blood. For too long we've suffered a brain drain, where our schools have produced highly talented pupils, only to watch them go elsewhere for their higher education. This new university will give young Cumbrians an opportunity to stay in their own county.
"The university will also boost the county's profile nationally, which in turn will will draw more people to the county.
Councillor Philip Chappelhow said:
"Today's official opening is the start of something really special for the young people of Cumbria.
"The university will not just help to raise academic achievement and increase the historically low level of young people going into higher education in some areas of the county; it will play a major role in increasing the aspirations of the youth of Cumbria.
"The university will help Cumbria's young people set their sights higher and help them achieve more, which is something that we, too are committed to doing in our secondary and primary schools.
"I am looking forward to working with the new university during what what promise to be very exciting times ahead."
ENDS
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