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By Luke Starr
Council talks with the University over "curbing" anti-social behavoir in students living in Winton.
BOURNEMOUTH Borough Council is in talks with the University over what is described as the ‘studentification’ of Winton. The discussions, which started in December, have centred around how the University can take greater responsibility for its students’ anti-social actions. A six point action plan has been drawn up by the Vice Chancellor’s office, and has been implemented with immediate effect.
The move comes after a student house party in Winton was stopped by police when more than 200 revellers turned up. “We are rolling out a wider ranging action plan to address concerns raised by residents and others about improving relationships between the community and the University.” said Charles Elder, BU press and public relations manager. “As part of our plans, we will be looking to engage more closely with the community by hosting meetings at the University which will be open to residents and others from any area, particularly those with significant numbers of student residents. “Whilst we will seek prompt and specific measures, our initial plans are just the first step and will be revisited in the light of their effectiveness over the months to come.”
Over 10 per cent of Winton housing is now rented student accommodation, and residents have been vocal in their criticism of what they see as the area’s changing character. ‘Studentification’ is the buzzword the Council is using in relation to this growing student population. “You have one house in the street that is a student house, they cause problems and the neighbours move on,” said Councillor David Smith, who is himself a Winton resident and is the portfolio holder for the community. “When they come to sell, they will probably sell to a landlord, and then there are two student houses and potentially double the problem.” Councillor Smith is calling n the University to install its own Environmental Officer, to be on stand-by to tackle problems if they arise. “The procedure for dealing with things through the civil authorities, the police and the council, doesn’t work,” he said. “It’s a student house, it’s a student problem, and the University should be involved. Yet it’s a small minority ruining it for the rest. “There should be a suitable warden on duty who can go out to these parties and order it be stopped.”
Students Union President Adam Hyland believes that the key to solving the issue is through educating those new to the University about respecting the community. “It is not down to the University to discipline the few who are acting unruly,” he said. “But I do believe the University and the Students’ Union have a responsibility to raise awareness of good citizenship, and do this at present. “Most students live in Bournemouthfor about three or four years and become as much a part of the community as anyone else.”
Indeed, the local economy depends on the work and spending capacity of students. And despite the apparent resentments, many residents agree. “The student population is an asset to Bournemouth and the vast majority are wonderful citizens,” said Winton Community Forum chair, Anson Westbrook. “Unfortunately there is a minority who bring themselves and the University into disrepute.” Mr Westbrook thinks the University should do more to promote better dialogue between residents and students, and punish those stepping out of line. The University has recently created the new post of Dean of the Student Experience, who will be heading the ‘studentifcation’ agenda.
Image courtesy of Eve Thomas
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