Calls for university to provide more homes

8:58am Thursday 18th October 2007

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PRIVATE landlords came under fire last night, as Durham debated the impact of students on the city.

About 90 people, including Durham University staff, students and residents attended the annual State of the City debate, at the university's Elvet Waterside lecture theatre.

Student leaders spoke of the good work students do in the community, from charity fundraising to prison mentoring.

But an hour-long question-and-answer session focused on problems of housing and anti-social behaviour.

Buy-to-let owners were accused of letting student houses fall into disrepair, damaging the appeal of the city centre.

Some residents called on the university to provide more accommodation for students, so they do not have to rent accommodation from private landlords.

Other people criticised students for late-night drunkenness and noise. One resident said: "Unfortunately, the charm of Durham has been spoiled. I'm at my wits' end with students."

Durham University treasurer Paulina Lubacz said the impact of students on Durham was of great concern to the university and it wanted to provide accommodation for as many students as it could. "We are doing our best to expand our accommodation, but I don't think it would be realistic to expect us to house all our students," she said.

Last night's debate, called Town versus Gown: exploding the myths and highlighting the contribution students make to the city's local economy and communities, was the third of its kind held in Durham.

For a full report, see Friday's Northern Echo.