The possibility of a Herefordshire university made major progress last week when Herefordshire Council voted unanimously to support the university, authorising the executive to negotiate how to support the project.

The decision opens up the possibility of Herefordshire Council sanctioning the transfer of redundant land or buildings

"It is tremendous news and a great boost," said university project leader Karen Usher. "Thanks to Herefordshire's councillors we are now able to make some real progress in raising over £12 million we need to open doors in 2017.

The motion was proposed by Ross Councillor, Andrew Atkinson and seconded by Cllr Nick Nenadich.

Cllr Atkinson said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for the county led by a dedicated, team of experts. The least we can do is support them and hope that they are successful in every way."

The university is being designed as a specialist applied science and engineering institution. The aim is to deliver work-ready graduates skilled in applying their knowledge from their first day at work in five key sectors: Defence & Security; Food & Agri-science; specialist manufacturing; green technologies and knowledge-intensive?industries.The teaching facilities, offices and student accommodation will be in the heart of Hereford City.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.