COVENTRY University should do more to stop student homes becoming filthy, a councillor has said.
Coun Jim O’Boyle said people living near students had complained about rubbish being left outside homes for years – but that recent issues at one street had taken it to a new level.
He sent us these pictures of litter outside homes – believed to be let out by students – in Monks Road near the city centre.
A university spokesman branded Coun O’Boyle’s claims unreasonable and said the responsibility for private properties lay with landlords and letting agents.
But the St Michael’s ward councillor said the university had to start taking its social duties seriously.
“These pictures graphically demonstrate a new low,” he said.
“It is the sort of anti-social behaviour which should always 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 and has not lifted a finger to help.
“As long as they get their fees from the students coming in and filling up their coffers, they couldn’t care less. At least that is how it seems.”
He welcomed plans for a licensing system for landlords but called on the university to crack down on rogue students.
A university spokesman said it was fully aware of its social responsibilities and would continue to work closely with the city council and 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.
“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 Ward.
“With regard to private properties which are let out to students within the city, 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.”
