As a proud graduate of University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) in 2019, I am deeply disheartened by the proposed budget cuts that threaten UCS’s occupancy at the iconic Guildhall building in Shrewsbury. This decision affects countless others who have used, or aspire to use, this educational space to pursue their higher education goals.

The Guildhall has been a beacon for students across Shropshire, providing crucial opportunities and shaping futures. Many graduates like myself have leveraged their degrees from this institution to embark on successful careers. In my case, my Medical Genetics degree led me to become a scientist and pursue a doctorate. Having relocated to Shrewsbury in 2016 and continuing to reside here, I can attest that such an action would inflict lasting damage on town life.

Shrewsbury stands proud with its reputation as an educational hub and its long term financial stability is intrinsically linked to the success of the University.

Here are a handful of reasons that summarise why the decision to close UCS is misguided:

• Economic impact: Universities often contribute to the local economy through student spending, staff employment, and partnerships with local businesses. Closing UCS will lead to job losses among university staff and decreased revenue for local businesses that rely on student spending.
• Loss of Intellectual Capital: UCS attracts professors, researchers, and students who contribute to the intellectual capital of the town. Closing UCS will impact the community's innovation and cultural life. Further, talented students will now be forced to study elsewhere leading to a deficiency of bright young minds in the town which will result in long-term consequences for the town's future workforce and economic development.  
• Property Value: The presence of UCS contributes to the attractiveness of Shrewsbury for residents and investors. Closure will lead to a decrease in property values as the town loses its appeal as a student hub and educational centre.
• Loss of Community Engagement: UCS often engages with the local community through outreach programs, events, and partnerships. Closing UCS will result in a loss of these community engagement opportunities, impacting social cohesion and local development initiatives.
• Loss of Credibility: The closure of a UCS after just 10 years will undermine the town's credibility and reputation. Potential students, investors, and businesses may view the town as unstable or lacking in long-term vision, which could deter future investment and development opportunities.

We urge you all - fellow graduates, current students, residents of Shrewsbury - join us in voicing your opposition against these proposed budget cuts that threaten our beloved university's presence at Guildhall.

Please sign this petition today! Together we can make sure that future generations continue benefiting from what we had access to during our time at the University of Chester, Shrewsbury.