CREWE is set to shake off its rail-town image with multi-million pound plans to make the town a university centre.

Academic leaders believe changing the name of Manchester Metropolitan University and closing the Alsager campus to centralise study in Crewe will help turn it into Cheshire's leading university town.

The university became the MMU Cheshire on Friday, a move which its dean, Dennis Dunn, says will see Crewe recognised by academics as home to the best university in the county.

It will bring major opportunities for economic regeneration, with thousands of students looking for accommodation and services in Crewe.

Mr Dunn said: 'With 500 staff and nearly 6,000 students, we have a huge presence in Cheshire. We are delighted to be here and it is only right and proper that our name reflects that fact from now on.

'The change will create a greater sense of ownership of the university in the regional community and help provide a clear understanding of the Manchester-Cheshire link.'

University chiefs have already announced plans to close the Alsager campus and flatten its halls of residence during the next 10 years to concentrate on making Crewe a university town.

They are developing a scheme to build eight high-rise blocks to house nearly 800 students at the Crewe Green Road site.

Though concern was expressed over the design, borough councillors have welcomed the idea of boosting facilities for university life. A new-look scheme is expected to get the go-ahead at a development control meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Dunn added: 'Crewe is a town on the move and MMU Cheshire is determined to play a big part in its future prosperity.

'Manchester Metropolitan University is already investing heavily at Crewe Green as I speak, and the vice-chancellor and governors have the vision to create an even more successful academic and student environment here.'

The Crewe and Alsager Faculty is the MMU's sole presence in the county and an advertising campaign will be launched on September 1 to promote MMU Cheshire.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council leader Peter Kent said: 'One of the things we have been trying to do is diversify the image of the Crewe and not rely on the railways or Bentley.'