University reassures residents over student party fears

DURHAM University has reassured residents that students are being told not to return after reports of parties during lockdown.

The City of Durham Parish Council wrote to the institute claiming they had received complaints about at least two parties being held by students returning to see their friends.

The council claims students have been returning to privately rented accommodation to collect their possessions or to remain despite the university’s initial guidance saying they should not return.

Councillors feared students returning would increase the spread of coronavirus among residents. Now, the parish council has had a virtual meeting with Durham University to discuss the concerns.

Vice-chairman of the parish council Councillor Alan Doig said: “During this meeting, the Parish Council reiterated its concerns about student house parties taking place in spite of the Covid-19 lockdown measures.

“The university assured us that their continued guidance to students is not to return to Durham and to continue to follow Government guidelines.

“This was a very constructive meeting and the parish council and Durham University are going to be working closely together on a project to ensure that the move-out of students as and when this is able to take place is done as seamlessly as possible which ensures that the health and wellbeing of our student and non-student residents is protected.”

A spokeswoman for Durham University said: “The meeting was positive and productive and the City of Durham Parish Council and the university continue to work in partnership on matters related to students returning to and residing in Durham city throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”