- - - - ---
- - --- --
and JIM WHALLEY
SECURITY bosses have been forced to step up their patrols between the Village and campus after lodd youths have left students fearing for their safety. The police and security staff based on the campus have been extended up to the Vi ll age and along University Drive, where they stay most nights until late. Security Manager Mike McCormack said he hoped the new security set-up would help reduce problems. "Ln addition to more patrols, I have authorised for the security van to be able to go both ways down University Drive, which is one way for other vehicles. This makes it quicker for them to get to the Village." He added that the success of the new patfols will be assessed when they have been running for longer. "There have been less reportS of incidents made. lt's just good to have a high profile presence. Also with the Resident Services division we will be pulling up more signs say-
ing the Village is private property. "These new securi ty measures wi ll help students feel safer." Union Welfare Officer Ehi ldahosa approved of the new measures, saying it was encouraging to see the University making an effort. "At least they are responding to student perception of things which were happening last term. We'll see if it's effective, but it's good students will fee l safer with more protection." Students in the Village also welcomed the changes. One student from BIO, who did not want to give her name, said that she did not feel safe walking from the Village on to campus at night. She said: "It's very rare that you see security staff about, ju t driving past on the street." EAS students Emma Coghill and Jenny Holt said that they felt unsafe when local youths were hanging around outside. In the past they didn't think the University did enough, saying, "there were a couple of muggings down by the traffic lights and the University didn't eem to care." But Sam Clews, ENV I, is quite happy with the Village security. He felt safe living in the residence halls and knew no one who had had any trouble.