A WIDE-RANGING investigation has been launched into the impact Worcester University has had upon life in the city.

The 18-month study by Worcester City Council's scrutiny committee will take a long, hard look at how the establishment of the university in September 2005 is changing Worcester.

A series of reports will be published by councillors over the coming months looking at the university's impact upon different areas of city life, including Worc-ester's housing, anti-social behaviour, culture and economic development.

The city council's head of urban environment John Wrightson told a meeting of the scrutiny committee: "The recent establishment and current expansion of Worcester University is perhaps one of the most significant events in Worcester's modern history.

"It presents some unparalleled challenges and opportunities. The university is expected to have a profound impact on Worcester's future. A well thought-out scrutiny project at this stage would be an extremely worthwhile investment." Councillors believe the information gathered over the course of the study will be crucial in helping to guide future council policies.

The ambitious investigation is far greater in scale than anything previously undertaken by the cross-party scrutiny committee, which acts as a watchdog group offering comment and criticism of the ruling cabinet's policies. "This is a very exciting project - probably the most exciting piece of scrutiny we have ever had to do," said Tory committee member Councillor Stephen Hodgson. "There are positives and negatives."

There will be five broad themes for the group's investigation.

Housing and community issues, including: Impact on housing demand and affordability; impact on neighbourhoods and studentification' of certain areas; anti-social behaviour and nuisance issues; student voluntary community action.

Transport and environmental issues, including: Car parking; safe walking routes; impact on public transport.

City centre development issues, including: Impact of campus development; impact of other developments off-campus; impact of university on investment and regeneration schemes.

Cultural issues, including: Contributions to arts, crafts and sporting events; facilities for events and community use; new library and history centre.

Economic issues, including: Retaining graduates within Worcester; skills development and jobs for local people; links with local industry; improved tourism and city image.