Club bus plan for students

It was one of the issues raised at the first meeting of a forum set up to improve relations between University College Worcester and city communities.

"We are trying to set up a service between the campus and the Bamboo club," said Councillor Simon Geraghty, who was at the meeting.

"There was talk of it before but nothing happened.

"If we can get a lot of students to the college without having to walk through St John's that will get rid of the noise issue."

There have been numerous complaints by residents about UCW students damaging property and waking up them up when returning from nights out.

The forum included representatives from the college, students and city council. The police intend to attend further meetings. Those on the panel also discussed plans to deal with wider issues such as traffic management and car parking in St John's.

"I get the feeling that the university is more proactive now than they have been in the three years I have been here," said Coun Geraghty.

He added they have pencilled in a date for an open meeting in August to give residents the chance to discuss their concerns.

University College Worcester principal, Professor David Green, echoed Coun Geraghty's views that the meeting had been useful in tackling the issues.

"We had a good meeting," said Prof Green, college principal. "It was very productive and there were some good ideas.

"We got through quite a big agenda, including issues that are of a great concern to local residents, like road safety."

Prof Green said the college generated almost £100m for Worcester's economy and with the future expansion of the college, good relations with the community were vital.

"Every time we have had a complaint we have dealt with it immediately and taken the necessary disciplinary action," he said.

"The Student Union is having a Good Neighbour Scheme involving local councillors and police to promote good relations."