AFreedom Of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the number of noise complaints received by the University during this year’s Freshers’ Week fell by almost 40 per cent compared to 2014/15.
In total, 22 complaints were received during the period 12-20 September 2015, compared to 36 complaints that were received by the University between the dates of 13-21 September 2014. The number of complaints received during Freshers’ Week 2013 was 26.
According to the FOI request, Estate Patrol services were called out 721 times in total during Freshers’ Week. A full breakdown of callout reasons is not held by the University. However, reasons included First Aid, students and staff being locked out of buildings and noise complaints.
The number of students taken home by Estate Patrol during this year’s Freshers’ Week was 41, nearly 60 per cent higher than in Freshers’ Week 2014. This may be partly due to Estate Patrol hiring two additional cars this year so were available to provide an enhanced service to students.
Commenting on the results, University Community Liaison Officer Rory Cunningham said:
“The University experienced a decline in complaints during Freshers’ Week. We also recorded fewer incidents of serious anti-social behaviour and student welfare issues. The Students’ Guild Welcome Team worked closely with the Police, Estate Patrol and licensed premises to address welfare concerns in the city centre.
“We hope to build on the success of our partnership approach and have already considered improvements to next year’s planning.
“Residents have also commended the positive attitude of the vast majority of students during this busy social period.”
Speaking to the Express & Echo, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said Freshers’ Week had been “a great success.”
Guild President Laura-Jane Tiley said: “The Students’ Guild strongly values our relationship with the community and will be working closely with the University and our community partners this year to maintain and develop our community links.”
Last year, the University was forced to apologise to local residents after complaints were made about the behaviour of students during Freshers’ Week, leading to the Football Varsity cancellation.
