Summary
MR Forbes (Evening Chronicle, September 29) is talking a load of claptrap - he claims that the student housing strategy "lacks ambition" and only sees students as a problem in terms of housing, rather than as an asset to the community. He goes on with the platitude "although the strategy is called Living and Learning in Newcastle, there is nothing about promoting the value of learning" Isn't that the job of educationalists not housing managers? Does he not realise that no one is trying to drive students out of Jesmond or Heaton? Many of the residents of these areas have benefited from higher education themselves; their children are students; many also earn their living by teaching and working with both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Why does Mr Forbes imagine that there is some big conflict? Diversity is a good thing, but there has to be a balance. Houses owned by landlords and rented to students will probably remain that way. Nobody is trying to drive students out of Jesmond, and there are still many families living here, and many who want to live here. They need to be supported. Jesmond is thriving and should remain that way.See the full content of this document
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Students Add to Community ; Your Shout
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