Student behaviour 'deplorable'

There have been tensions between students and families

Anti-social behaviour by students in south Belfast is completely unacceptable, the new vice chancellor of Queen's University has said.

Peter Gregson said a new disciplinary code for off-campus behaviour would be used against offending students.

It comes as Queen's University's graduate body backed a proposal warning students about their behaviour.

It follows recent trouble between students and residents in the Holyland area of the city.

Relationships between students and residents deteriorated after a street protest ended in trouble a fortnight ago.

Hundreds of students in the Holyland took to the streets to protest at a BBC Northern Ireland programme which highlighted tensions between residents and some students.

I would also take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to those residents in the Holyland, and elsewhere, who are adversely affected by the totally inappropriate behaviour of a very small number of students Peter Gregson Queen's vice chancellor

The students claimed they were being portrayed in the wrong light.

However, residents claimed hundreds of people were on the streets and that bottles had been broken and abuse was hurled at them.

The new vice chancellor said he "absolutely deplored" the behaviour of a small minority of students that had been so widely publicised.

"I have to say that I am angry and disappointed at the consequences for our students, because the vast majority of students bring great credit on themselves and on Queen's, and indeed on Belfast and Northern Ireland," he told BBC Radio Ulster on Friday.

"I would also take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to those residents in the Holyland, and elsewhere, who are adversely affected by the totally inappropriate behaviour of a very small number of students."

'New disciplinary code'

He said the university had been working extremely hard to try and address the problem and had implemented a new strategy.

"That new strategy includes a new disciplinary code for off-campus behaviour which was endorsed by senate this past week," he said.

This will focus on tougher disciplinary measures, greater education of the student body about the consequences of their actions and better integration with stakeholders in the local community Dr Philip Weir QUB Graduate Association

"If we find we can find any student guilty of anti-social behaviour, they will be dealt with by the new disciplinary code."

Dr Philip Weir of the Graduate Association said although Queen's had been slow to respond, it was now developing plans to tackle the problem.

"I think they would admit themselves that they had a more informal approach," he said.

"But they now have a four point plan which they are going to endorse.

"This will focus on tougher disciplinary measures, greater education of the student body about the consequences of their actions, better integration with stakeholders in the local community and an attempt to improve their PR and communications regarding this issue."

Meanwhile, a new law which could halt the spread of student accommodation came into effect in Northern Ireland on Monday.

Developers and landlords must now obtain planning permission before converting a family home into a house of multiple occupation.

The legislation is being brought in because of concerns about overcrowding and anti-social behaviour in student areas.

It has been welcomed by families in the university area of south Belfast.