The Student Community Partnership (SCP), made up of local organisations, has been conducting its Good Neighbour campaign throughout September and October.
The SCP, which comprises of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath Spa University, University of Bath, and their Student Unions, 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 these issues, members of the Partnership have been working with the Council’s Waste Services Team; knocking on doors in various locations around Bath to speak with new student residents to welcome them to the local community, ensuring they know the local guidelines on recycling and encouraging them to meet their new neighbours.
Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services and Chair of the Student Community Partnership), said: “The Council places great store in continuing our support for promoting good communication between students and their neighbours, which is key to preventing tensions and misunderstandings arising.
“The Good Neighbour campaign is a great incentive to help new and existing students play a positive part in their communities after moving into independent or shared accommodation.
“Practical advice on issues like noise and waste collections is invaluable to help avoid tension between students and permanent residents in some areas.”
On 27th October the SCP will be joined by Vice Chancellor for Bath Spa University (Professor Christina Slade), Pro Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of Bath (Peter Lambert) and Cllr Martin Veal (SCP Chair).
The group will be knocking on doors, speaking with new student residents to welcome them to the local community, and encourage them to meet their new neighbours.
The SCP has also produced a Moving In Checklist and Top Ten Tips for living in Bath for all students moving into privately rented accommodation to assist with the transition of moving from halls.
Council Connect is the contact for residents and students so that they can offer any praise or report any issues to be logged and investigated, via the link www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit; email [email protected]; text 07797 806545 or call 01225 39 40 41.
To find out more about the Student Community Partnership go to www.townandgown.org.uk.
