News from Medway Labour: Medway Labour Continue to Press for University for the Creative Arts to Stay in Medway
Since the shock announcement in May that the University for the Creative Arts was proposing to close its campus in Rochester and end its teaching of FE, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group has worked tirelessly for a continued UCA presence in Medway. As well as supporting the staff petition, meeting with staff, student representatives and the Vice-Chancellor, Medway Labour Councillors have submitted a Freedom of Information request to the university to establish clearly what discussions have taken place between the university and the council. Cllr Clive Johnson will be presenting a member’s item to the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Committee of Medway Council on Thursday 10th June.
Cllr Clive Johnson, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group Spokesperson for Children and Young People, said:
“We want to see the council and the university working hard to ensure that the opportunities which the UCA provides within Medway and for the people of Medway are kept. The loss of the UCA would be a significant blow, particularly as we launch our bid for City of Culture. I have informed the council that I want some answers at my member’s item on 10th June.”
Cllr Vince Maple, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group Leader, said:
“We are fighting hard to retain the UCA and its FE provision in Medway because we see it as vital to Medway’s future and our economic prosperity, our cultural vitality and our aspirations. All of us are proud of the work the UCA does and everybody is keen to see it stay. We expect some answers from the council on 10th June about what they are doing to ensure that happens.”