Students to get extra lessons in being good neighbours

York Council has joined forces with York University's students' union to stage a series of events to try to get under-graduates involved in community projects.

Some city areas heavily populated by students, including Heslington and Fulford, have been blighted by illegally dumped rubbish and drunken behaviour.

The first campaign event will see students helping to transform gardens in Heslington Road today and tomorrow.

York Council's head of environmental enforcement, Liz Levett, said: "This event addresses some key issues for students living in the area.

"We want them to feel that they are part of the local community in York and that they are good neighbours in the area they are living.

"We recognise the first priority for students may not be putting their rubbish out correctly or the appearance of their front gardens.

"However, we often receive calls about bags and bins being put out at the wrong time, which can lead to litter problems, vermin and fly-tipping. This isn't pleasant for anyone and can be upsetting for local residents who take a pride in their neighbourhood."

Police officers from York's safer neighbourhood team are also involved in the campaign, and intend to get a crime prevention message out to students.

Council officials and police officers will call at properties tomorrow to ensure new student tenants are familiar with the waste arrangements for their streets as well as offering home security advice.

They will also discuss a new community strategy that will be launched by the students' union.

Ms Levett added: "We also know that those areas with a predominance of student residents can become targets for crime and other anti-social behaviour.

"We want to make sure that students have the right access to information and support to make them less vulnerable targets."

The mobile police office will be at Fairfax House, on Heslington Road, during this week's events to give students more information.

Police officers will also be on hand to offer advice on bike security and provide free security tagging for bicycles.