A COUNCILLOR has called for the return of students to the University of Worcester to be postponed until after Christmas.

St John’s County Councillor Richard Udall says he feels the risk to residents from the influx of students is too high and could create a "tsunami of covid-19."

Cllr Udall said: "In the next few weeks several thousand students will be returning to Worcester to restart their courses, they are not just coming from across the country, but from across the world.

"The risk is too high, students will be coming to Worcester from all around the nation, mixing and no doubt partying.

"They could unleash a tsunami of Covid 19 not only among fellow students but also within the local community, too many vulnerable people are at risk.

"I agree with the National Union of Students and the Lecturers Union, it is far too soon. The return of students needs to be postponed until after Christmas”.

The councillor says he believes the university have worked hard to ensure that campuses are safe as possible, but is concerned with potential problems off campus.

“Most students will not be living on campus, they live in the local community, in shared houses, they will be mixing with others and will be using local shops and services.

"St John’s has many vulnerable residents, some have been shielding for months, this is the wrong time to lower our guard.

“A lot of local residents have contacted me, people are worried. We need the university to be aware of these concerns, respect them and act to reduce the number of returning students to a minimum”.

A spokesperson for the University of Worcester said: "The University of Worcester will welcome students back to the city from next week, with a range of advice, guidance and support.

"The University has been working hard over the summer to prepare its campuses for the safest possible, socially distanced return to a blend of in-person study and online learning.

"Welcome Weekend has been extended to include staggered arrivals, reducing the numbers arriving to the city at any one time.

"All students, both new and returning, will be required to be active members of the community and follow our clear guidance on things such as social distancing and hygiene."

"It is also important to note that a vast majority of our students are local residents. For example, 85 percent of our nursing students live within a 30 mile radius of St. John's campus.

"We would be very happy for Cllr Udall to get in touch with us so we may discuss this further."