As thousands of Higher Education students arrive in Bath this week to start or continue their degree courses at Bath Spa University and the University of Bath, the Student Community Partnership is re-launching its student action line, in partnership with Council Connect, for residents who may have any issues or concerns with their student neighbours in the City.

The Student Action Line was originally launched in October 2004 to better integrate students into the communities where they rent accommodation to resolve any issues.

After four years of being in operation, the Action line has received on average 75 calls per year. These calls are generally related to noise, poor refuse and recycling management and general anti-social behaviour. In most cases problems between students and their neighbours have been addressed and resolved quite easily by the Community Liaison Co-ordinator, working with the two Universities. Only a handful of complaints each year have led to disciplinary action by the institutions.

Previously the Action Line was operated via a 24 hour answer phone service but now callers will be connected straight to the Council Connect call centre, where they will be able to talk to a member of staff directly about their issues or concerns. The details of the call will be logged and sent on to the relevant Council service department for action as well as to the Community Liaison Co-ordinator who will liaise with the students in question.