CONCERNS over the impact of the University College Worcester expansion must be managed carefully, the city's main political parties have warned.

UCW is planning to increase its numbers by 5,000 over the next eight years with a £100m second campus on the old Royal Infirmary site in Castle Street.

Conservative councillor Simon Geraghty said the council would have to liaise closely with the institution "to ensure any expansion brings benefits for all citizens of Worcester".

"It can be good for Worcester if it is well thought-out, well planned and the implementation is structured," he continued.

"There would be two focal points for the administration. First, the impact it could have on the housing market - there needs to be a real focus on providing adequate accommodation as part of the plans.

"The night-time economy policy will also have to be drafted to ensure that any future plans are catered for."

The Worcester Labour group's deputy leader, Paul Denham, said the enlargement should be welcomed as it would bring "a tremendous amount of new employment".

Worries

He added that the group would like to see moves made to keep the quality of the development high and said he was aware of worries about the influx of young people.

"There is a lot of genuine concern among the public and it is something we will have to work out with the university in a sensible way," he said

"One would hope there will be scope for medical research to go on there and bring hi-tech medical companies into Worcester."

Paul Griffiths, chairman of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "While we were dismayed that Worcester citizens were not better consulted beforehand, the proposal to regenerate the Castle Street site offers potential for new and existing businesses as part of the Central Technology Belt.

"The inclusion of a public library and conference centre is particularly welcomed.

"However, there are genuine concerns about the strains that could be put on the city's public transport and accommodation."