Around 11,000 students returning to study in the Bath area have been issued with the popular ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ booklet by the Student Community Partnership, which comprises of the Council, two Universities, and their Student Unions.
The guide gives practical advice on making the right impression with neighbours, such as introducing themselves to neighbours, considering noise levels, hints and tips about waste collections, safety information, how to get involved in the local community by volunteering.
To raise awareness of the guide, the Partnership will be knocking on doors in student locations around Bath to speak with new student residents to welcome them to the local community, promote the messages in the Being a Good Neighbour and encourage them to meet their new neighbours.
Councillor Will Sandry, Chair of the Partnership, said, “The guide is a useful toolkit for students in our community many of whom are living independently in shared accommodation for the first time. It contains practical advice on issues like waste collections and noise which can create some tension in communities.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to continue our support for promoting good communication between neighbours which is key to preventing tensions and misunderstandings arising.
“The trial last year of calling on households in areas popular with students was very successful, so the Partnership will be repeating it again this year with the support of the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council, Vice Chancellor of Bath Spa University, and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Bath.”
Hanna Wade, Community Officer at the University of Bath Students Union, said, “The guide gives excellent hints and tips for the many students who will be living away from home and campus for the first time. It also offers a variety of ideas about how students can have a positive impact in the community by volunteering and showing consideration to their neighbours.”
Emma Weskin, Vice President – Welfare and Campaigns at Bath Spa University, said, “Once again, we’ve emailed the guide to all returning students so we hope that they will spend a few minutes reading all the hints and tips about how to be good neighbours alongside permanent residents in the community.”
In a change to last year’s arrangements, Council Connect is now the contact for residents and students so that they can offer any praise or report any issues or complaints to be reported, logged, and investigate instead of the Student Action Line. People can reach the service via www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit or [email protected] or Text SMS 07797 806545 or call 01225 39 40 41
To find out more about the Student Community Partnership or view the Being a Good Neighbour booklet go to www.townandgown.org.uk
