MP confronts Winton student problems

At a recent meeting organised by the Winton Forum, Conor Burns MP has vowed to do all he can to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour associated with students in the Winton area.

Conor heard directly from residents who told him of the destruction of a community and creation of ‘ghettos’ where ordinary families had been forced to move out because of abuse, shouting, noisy parties that lasted from evening to the following morning, street litter including broken bottles and vomit, urination, defecation and even sex taking place on the street.

This intimidating behaviour has led to some residents becoming afraid to complain because of a fear of reprisals, and of situations where police officers were unable to exert control because they were outnumbered by dozens of drunken students.

Local landlords also came in for significant criticism for failing to take responsibility for properties, as well as concerns about waste disposal and street cleaning. The University itself and AUCB were blamed for not exerting enough discipline upon students and failing to impress on them the need for social responsibility. Many residents felt that they paid their council tax and suffered while the universities, landlords and students profited at their expense.

Some solutions suggested from local residents included proper licensing of landlords, tougher university action to enhance its own reputation and deal with problem students, and university funded security patrols which would operate like proctors in older established universities.

After the meeting Conor Burns said that many residents had been suffering in silence. He said: "I'm really concerned that people are living with this ongoing problem. People are clearly very emotional as a consequence of being ground down over a period of time by consistent bad behaviour by a group within the community - emanating from the student body. I'm absolutely resolved now to see what we can try and do to offer some hope of a quiet and more peaceful future."