Wardens sought for student areas

Residents of the Holyland have complained about some students' behaviour

Belfast City Council is moving to try and reduce incidents which have led to tension between students and residents in the south of the city.

Hundreds of students are set to return to Belfast next week.

Ahead of this, the council is recruiting two more community safety wardens to join those already operating in the university area.

The wardens have helped cut anti-social behaviour since being introduced in 2005, the council says.

Councillor Cathal Mullaghan said the scheme had been very successful working in cooperation with the police, Housing Executive and the two main universities.

"The current wardens scheme has been a resounding success with incidents of anti-social behaviour being slashed by around 40%.

"Residents have also said that fear of crime has been reduced due to the high-visibility patrols in the area."

In August, residents of the Holyland area of south Belfast said they had to put up with all-day parties during a two-day music festival.

Tony McGuinness, from the local residents' association, said the constant partying was having an impact on all the people living there.

The area has seen ongoing tension between some students and residents in recent years.