Leamington residents complain about sparse student housing

A recent letter published by the Courier criticised the University of Warwick for not providing sufficient accommodation for its students.

The letter was written by Nick and Meg Bond, residents by the South of Leamington Spa.

It stated: “Whether or not the presence of students is worth £84m to the local economy, their impact is certainly being felt in the south of the town, which is being radically changed from a settled residential neighbourhood to one dominated by transient single residents with no stake in it.”

The letter continues to highlight how student life in Leamington is causing “the loss of low cost family houses, “the deterioration of the environment” and “an exodus of settled residents”.

Harriet Addy, a second-year Classics undergraduate, who has recently taken up Warwick provided accommodation in Leamington, disagreed with the accusations: “I’ve only lived here for a short amount of time but North Leam doesn’t seem to have that problem. I see more residents than students around my house and there is never a lot of noise late at night”

Tom Lewis, a second-year History undergraduate, also disagreed with the letter published in The Courier.

“I think it’s very important that there are enough places for students to live in Leamington, and that the university provides enough accommodation to keep students happy, but I can see why local residents might be concerned about the effects on the environment and the how student properties are maintained.

“There isn’t really an easy solution, but as long as students and landlords make sure the environment around their properties is properly maintained and don’t overuse on street parking, residents shouldn’t need to feel they are being overlooked or squeezed out.”