Six police cars called to Northampton town centre halls of residence in latest incident

The University of Northampton says it has had to increase overnight security staff at a problematic halls of residence because of anti-social behaviour there, which nearby residents claim is leading to regular police call outs.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Nov 2016, 16:51 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:09 BST
Two people were arrested on suspicion of assault at St John's Hall of Residence on Wednesday morning.Two people were arrested on suspicion of assault at St John's Hall of Residence on Wednesday morning.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of assault at St John's Hall of Residence on Wednesday morning.

Several complaints have been lodged about noisy students returning to the St John's halls since they opened at the foot of Guildhall Road in early 2014. Plans for a new off-licence nearby had to undergo a review in 2015 because of neighbours' concerns that "public nuisance" had increased in the area as a result of the halls.

But nearby residents have also contacted the Chron to voice their concern of the increasing number of police call-outs to the student block. One person even described it as "becoming the norm" there.

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The latest incident on Wednesday morning (November 2) saw two 18-year-olds, a man and a woman, arrested on suspicion of assault. Both were released without charge. Eyewitnesses reported around six police cars at the scene at around 4.30am.

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Residential life team leader at the University of Northampton, Ben Miles, said overnight staffing has had to be increased.

He said: “Since St John’s Halls of Residence opened in the town centre in early 2014, we have worked closely with the surrounding local residents and Northamptonshire Police to ensure that any concerns relating to students are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible.

"In response to feedback from local residents, we have increased overnight staffing, including additional security and residential support staff, provided those residents with a dedicated 24-hour University contact number and will take disciplinary action against those students not observing the terms and conditions of their residency, which includes rules about antisocial behaviour.

"The University of Northampton will continue to work in close partnership with local residents, the council and the police to ensure any issues concerning St John’s are addressed appropriately.”