Students' Unions join residents' group

Article Date: July 10, 2010

Bath's two students' unions will be contributing to discussions about nighttime noise and community relations after joining a city residents' group.

Both the University of Bath SU and Bath Spa SU have become affiliate members of the Federation of Bath Residents' Associations (Fobra).

The move is designed to encouarge discussion and debate which might lead to solutions to some of the problems which can cause tension between students and other residents in the city.

Fobra chairman Henry Brown said he was looking forward to working wth the two groups. He said "Students are an important part of the population in Bath, they have a big impact on the city, and they have views about the place, just like the permanent residents.

"The unions have attended our meetings for the last few months, and we have found that there is a lot of common ground between us.

"It makes sense for them to join Fobra, and we welcome the contribution they bring".

Discussions between residents, the students' unions and B&NES Council have already prompted the Moving Out initiative, which encourages students to leave their houses and gardens tidy when they go home for the summer holidays.

It is likely that the nighttime economy - the operation of pubs and clubs, excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour will now be discissed by the organisations.

Fobra represents residents' groups in the city centre worried about the development or expansion of pubs and clubs - themselves premises which might see students as a key market.

Daniel O'Toole, president of the SU at the University of Bath, welcomed the collaboration. He said "People may be surprised to learn that students play a massive part in the wider community. The SUs' affiliations with Fobra this year demonstrate how enthusiastic and proactive we are in attempting to break down barriers between students and the local community".

Richard Bidgood, Presidnt of teh Bath Spa Union added@ " We at Bath Spa are really looking forward to supporting and contirbuting to an already strong voice in teh loacl community".

"There are many views on local issues that permanent residents and students share, and this platform presents an ideal opportunity for us to work together towards these common goals".

Fobra has 24 member associations from accross Bath and represents around 4,000 people.

For more information, go to www.bathresidents.org.uk

Story courtesy of Bath News & Media Group