Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Neighbours ‘happy’ fines were handed out
The hefty fines were welcomed by neighbours - but split opinion among students living in Ulcombe Gardens. Teresa Price, who has lived in the network of streets making up Ulcombe Gardens for 43 years, is pleased with the police approach.
“I’m happy they’ve been fined, it’s good riddance,” the 62-year-old said.
“I know the whole situation is inconvenient for everyone but it’s massively irresponsible to have parties. We’re all doing our bit to keep everyone safe and they are putting lives at risk, so I’m pleased about the fine - I hope there are more. “More than 30 people crammed into a house and with a DJ is just ridiculous. But it’s not surprising.
“There are always loads of parties round here and the attitude from students is terrible.
“I worryy it will getg even worse in the winter.”
Husband Harvey Price, 65, said: “Youu wouldn’t want to confronnt them, not unless you had a baseball bat. “If I do see another house party I won’t hess
itate to call the police. In students’ eyes, coronavirus doesn’t exist.
“If anyone wants to move here I’d tell them not to, Canterbury has too many students and it’s not a nice place to live. But some students believe the punishment is too harsh.
“I think they should set up a Gofundme page so people can help pay the fines,” one said.
“It’s tough as there are obviously parties going on everywhere and they were singled out.”
UKC student Heidi Goodwin said: “It’s irresponsible to have a big party. I know why people would have one, but you just wouldn’t do it.
“I feel for them though as £10,000 is massive and that can ruin your life.” Housemate Arjan Nashad said: “It’ll be a deterrent for others not to do the same.” Meanwhile, fellow student and Ulcombe Gardens resident Ed Thurgood said: “It doesn’t help
the reputation for the rest of us students who act sensibly.
“It tarnishes us and the university. People will think we’re all irresponsible but we’re not.
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I find it funny and pleasing they’ve been caught out. They shouldn’t be doing it so they deserve punishment.
“I was working but if I was here that night, I would have called the police - I don’t see it as being a grass, it’s just protecting others from spreading a virus.”