HAS the establishment of a university in Worcester had an impact on life in the city? That is the question that an 18-month study by city councillors hopes to answer.

A series of reports in the coming months will look at how Worcester becoming a university city has affected housing, transport, anti-social behaviour and the economy.

We await the results of this study by the city council's scrutiny committee with interest. In the meantime, our view is that the university has been a hugely positive development for Worcester and will continue to be so, particularly once the new city centre campus and library project is completed.

Whatever findings the committee produces, they will be undoubtedly be changed significantly by the development on the former Royal Infirmary site.

Student numbers, which have already increased significantly since the establishment of the university, will be much higher than at present when the city centre campus opens.

The range of courses on offer will widen as the university seeks to further improve its growing reputation in the academic world.

That will have a huge impact on the need for more student accommodation, which is a sore point for some in the city, and Worcester's economy, particularly in terms of nightlife.

We have said before that it is a major challenge for the city and one that has to be met if Worcester is to become a popular destination for prospective students.