WIRRAL is one of 27 locations across the country bidding for government funds for a new university campus.

Earlier this year, the government outlined its plans to see up to 20 new Higher Education Centres developed.

In response, Wirral Council, in partnership with Wirral Metropolitan College and the University of Chester, has been working hard to develop a proposal for a new University of Chester facility in the borough.

Crucially, the proposal has secured the support of the North West Development Agency and Wirral’s Investment Strategy Board, as well as the University of Liverpool.

Wirral Council leader Steve Foulkes said the new facility would be “critically important to the future of Wirral”.

He said: “We are absolutely committed to unlocking the talent of Wirral people by ensuring they can access higher level skills training that will enable them to compete for quality jobs in Wirral and beyond.”

Principal of Wirral Metropolitan College, Mike Potter, said: “I have no doubt that if our partnership is successful in securing government funding available through the University Challenge, this exciting new partnership will provide our local community, particularly those in most need, with a real chance to access and develop their careers.

“Education and training, particularly at the higher level, unlocks potential.”