Unis bidding to be good neighbours
Steps have been taken to smooth over the town vs gown divide in Bath.
A team of dedicated volunteers have taken part in a day of door knocking at 1,000 properties in the city.
The goal was to provide information to new residents, both students and non-students, regarding waste, recycling and bin collection days.
The volunteers were made up of Bath Spa University’s vice-chancellor Professor Sue Rigby, the University of Bath’s acting vice-chancellor Professor Bernie Morley, councillor Bob Goodman and students from both universities.
This was part of the Student Community Partnership’s yearly initiative to encourage good relations between students and local residents.
Student residents also received advice on living in the city, including utilising the different public transport services on offer and the variety of opportunities to get involved in the local community, such as volunteering.
Professor Rigby said: “It’s been wonderful to be out and about in the city, meeting students and local residents alike.
“It is important that good relations between all residents are established and maintained, and the Good Neighbour Campaign allows concerns to be raised and addressed, as well as providing useful guidance.
“It’s been very interesting meeting the different members of the community throughout the day and hearing how the partnership can strengthen further the relationship between the universities and the city.”
The partnership is a collaboration between the Universities of Bath and Bath Spa, their student unions, Bath College and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Acting vice-chancellor at the University of Bath, Professor Bernie Morley, said: “We are proud to be part of the Student Community Partnership which helps to facilitate good neighbourly relations.
“This campaign directly addresses any issues or concerns of students and local residents alike, as well as providing our students with helpful, practical information about how to be a good neighbour.
“I am delighted to have been able to join the launch of the campaign today and take time to meet, and listen to, local residents.”
Further door knocking days are planned throughout the month of October.
B&NES councillor Bob Goodman added: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in the Good Neighbour Campaign for a second year running.
“From what I’ve experienced, the residents of Bath are a lot more understanding and welcoming to students. There is always more work to do, however there is a much greater acceptance now, which is great to see and credit to the work of the partnership.”
The partnership exists to promote harmonious relationships between students, residents and the wider community of Bath.