AN APPEAL from Leader readers to safeguard Glyndwr University has sounded through the halls of the Senedd.
Your views on the future of Wrexham’s university have been delivered to the Welsh Government’s education minister in Cardiff.
Yesterday Clwyd South AM Ken Skates handed over hundreds of our campaign coupons to Leighton Andrews.
Readers have backed the Leader’s Hands Off Our Uni campaign calling for Mr Andrews to reject proposals that would see Glyndwr losing its independence.
Formal consultation on the controversial plans ends today.
Speaking at the Senedd, Mr Skates said: “I’m proud to deliver the Leader’s campaign to the Welsh Government and to ensure the concerns of readers are made clear.
“The future of Glyndwr University within a reformed Welsh Higher Education sector is an issue that has been the subject of lengthy and passionate debate in North East Wales.
“I support Labour’s plans to build stronger working relationships between higher education institutions in Wales and careful consideration needs to be given to the specific needs of North East Wales.
“As we can see from some of the comments in the responses, the strength of feeling on the ground is potent.”
A report by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) recommends Glyndwr join a new group led by Bangor and Aberystwyth universities.
Campaign group Friends of North East Wales and Glyndwr University was also set up to fight the plans.
Chairman Steve Morgan said the move could have “serious implications” for both the university and the wider community.
Councillors, Glyndwr University’s student union and the business community have all backed the campaign.
Members of Wrexham Council’s executive board once again threw their weight behind efforts to protect Glyndwr’s independence.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of a letter to be submitted to the Welsh Govenrment stating the authority strongly objects to the HEFCW plans.
The letter says there is “little or no evidence of logical reasoning for some of the proposals”, and describes the Glyndwr move as “entirely inappropriate, unacceptable and unjustified”.
Flintshire Council has pledged to back the Wrexham authority in support of the university.