CRITICISMS of a North-East university’s 10-year plan to expand student numbers by more than 20 per cent are continuing to rumble.

The vice-chancellor of Durham University came under fire at a Question Time-style event, chaired by MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.

Around 130 people attended the event to ask questions about the university’s 10-year-strategy, student housing, the local economy and student behaviour.

Professor Stuart Corbridge said: “We have been open and transparent about our strategy for growth, which will bring significant benefits not only for the university, but for Durham City and North-East England.

“Members of the community asked to discuss the university strategy with me and I was pleased to be able to do this.

“The questioning was thorough and productive, and a number of issues were identified for us to consider.

“We will do this together as part of ongoing dialogue, working with our local communities to ensure a positive environment for all who live, work and study in our great city.”

Some residents remain unconvinced by the university’s arguments that expansion will bring economic benefits the city.

According to a study undertaken by BiGGAR Economics, which was commissioned by the university, it is worth £1.1bn to the UK economy, supporting 13,600 jobs.

Resident Janet George, secretary of the St Nicolas’ Community Forum, said: “They talk about all the positives but they don’t talk about the lost council tax, the cost to policing or the human cost and the loss to communities. They keep telling us what the benefits are but it’s not the right note to strike.”

She added: “Everyone came away feeling upset because we didn’t get anywhere. There’s absolutely no give whatsoever.”

As part of its attempt to tackle problems, the university has just employed community liaison officer Hannah Shepherd, while it has also announced plans to introduce a code on student behaviour.

Meanwhile, last week Durham County Council tried to reassure the public that the city will not become a “term time only city.”

Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) attended the authority’s monthly meeting to ask about what measures were being to make communities sustainable. Their statement said: “There is a strong feeling that by bringing even more students into Durham the balance in local communities is being tipped in favour of students and away from local residents.”

“What can DCC do to reassure local residents and communities that their concerns are being listened to and that measures are being put in place to ensure that local communities are sustainable in the longer term and that Durham City does not become a term time only city?”

In particular, the AAP is concerned about the growing number of HMOs (houses of multiple occupation), which it says are forcing non-students out of the city centre.

Cllr Carl Marshall, replied: “Plans for expansion will mean the university maintains its position as a market leader and will continue to contribute to the economy of County Durham.

“However we are well aware of the need to balance the ambition of the university with the experience of local residents. Like many university towns Durham has to manage the impact of increasing student numbers and this is something we do in partnership with the university, the local community and other public agencies.”