Councillor hits out at 'filthy' Coventry University students

[dutchman]

Students living in a city street have been branded “filthy” by a leading councillor.



Jim O’Boyle, who represents St Michael’s Ward, made the remarks after taking pictures of waste outside homes rented to students in Monks Road, Stoke.

Coun O’Boyle – once voted Coventry City Council’s ‘youth champion’ – called on Coventry University to punish untidy students.

He said: “I call on the university to crack down on these rogue and irresponsible students and take action to curb their filthy behaviour.

"I demand they hold their students to account for the sake of residents but also for the sake of the good name of the city and of the university.

“The filth I have witnessed in the past has always shocked me. But these pictures graphically demonstrate a new low. It is the sort of anti-social behaviour which should be condemned.

“But what really infuriates me is the seemingly nonchalant attitude of Coventry University which has presided over the proliferation of this type of behaviour.”

The university said it had not been notified of the problem until Coun O’Boyle had contacted the press.

A spokesman said: “Whilst we acknowledge Coun O’Boyle’s concerns regarding the untidy properties in Monks Road, we feel his criticism of Coventry University is unreasonable.

“We are fully aware of our social responsibilities and will continue, as we have done historically, to work closely with the city council and local community groups.

“Coventry University take complaints of this nature very seriously and has procedures in place with regards to the conduct of our students in university owned accommodation and we endeavour to follow up on any complaints received.

“Private properties which are let out to students, including those in Monks Road, the responsibility for managing complaints around the behaviour of individuals within these residences lies with landlords and letting agents.

"Nevertheless, we still expect and indeed oblige our students to behave in a socially and lawfully acceptable manner whilst off campus.

“Where it is brought to our attention that students have not, the university is able to commence disciplinary hearings to ensure and mandate future conduct.

"However, we have to date received no complaints from the city council or members of the public concerning student waste in and around St Michael’s.”