12 December 2008, 08/288
Edge Hill link up with the District
Council
Edge Hill University and West Lancs District
Council are planning to work together more closely for the benefit
of Ormskirk and the district as a whole.
A special forum is being established bringing
together senior university board members and district councillors
to discuss issues of mutual concern. It is intended that West Lancs
MP will also be invited to attend forum meetings.
Cllr Ian Grant, Leader of the District
Council, said:“We recognise that there are many issues of shared
interest and it will benefit Ormskirk and the district as a whole
if the Council and the University try to work together more
closely. Both the University and the Council play hugely important
roles in local life and have exciting aspirations for the future.
We need to ensure that we grasp appropriate opportunities yet at
the same time protect our status as a historic market town. It
seems to me that with the University having just appointed last
week its first chancellor that the time is right to set up the
forum. There may be times in the future when the Council and the
University will have different views on a variety of subjects but
open dialogue may well prevent issues arising.”
John Cater, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill
University, said: “The University very much welcomes this joint
initiative and looks forward to working more closely with
councillors to secure a constructive and mutually beneficial
relationship. As the District's largest employer - and the region's
most significant provider of professionals for both the health and
the education service - we have a great deal to offer our
community, and we look forward to further developing our
contribution locally, regionally and nationally."
The terms of reference of the forum
include:
- Considering issues of mutual interest
- Considering the impact of the University on
Ormskirk and the surrounding area
- Facilitating a full understanding of the
University’s aspirations
- Maximising the opportunities for the local
community to enjoy facilities on the campus
- Highlighting the influence that the
university makes in the community
The Edge Hill University/West Lancs District
Council Forum will be formally established at the Council meeting
on 17 December and the first meeting will be held at Edge Hill
University on 18 December.
The forum will be consultative body only.
Decisions will be made through the usual processes of the Council
and the University. It should be stressed that the Forum will not
be involved in the consideration of planning applications.
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