WITH full university status just around the corner, these are - as we have said before - exciting times for University College Worcester.

Combined with plans for a new campus in the city centre, UCW is at last beginning to realise its potential as a centre of learning excellence.

However - and there is always a however - the ongoing problems with students disturbing nearby residents with their selfish late-night antics must be addressed before the college wins city-wide approval.

For a number of years, we have carried stories of St John's folk sick to death of having their sleep and peace of mind disturbed by the childish behaviour of a minority of students.

From vandalised homes to fake 999 calls, our files are bulging with tales of student misdemeanours.

Hopefully, now, the end of such behaviour is in sight.

The latest ideas to come out of UCW to crack down on these antics - and ensure better relations with their neighbours - are striking in that they come from the students themselves.

The SSHH - Silent Students equal Happy Homes - initiative will, we believe, strike the right note with everyone.

Practical measures - including regular buses from city centre nightclubs to the campus - have been combined with innovative ideas like free lollipops to help remind the students to stay quiet and respect others.

These - plus new secutiry patrols and CCTV cameras - will, we hope, mean a better life for St John's residents and a more responsible attitude among those few students that give the rest a bad name.