By Graeme Finch and John Connell

Last updated at 13:38, Monday, 22 October 2012

Students living in a new complex in Carlisle say they are being victimised by local residents.

Alan James

Their complaints include a brick thrown at a window, drunken abuse and residents shouting in their faces in the street.

They have also criticised the “lack of security” on the new Denton Holme site.

The old Kangol factory now houses 239 students – a development to which some residents objected.

That has now been followed by complaints about noise late at night, parking problems and scantily clad students visible through windows.

But students at the new village off Norfolk Street have now spoken out about the harassment they have received from some locals.

Alan James, 18, originally from Cockermouth, said he had a brick thrown at his flat window.

“About five of us were in the kitchen just chatting when there was a massive bang and we all jumped.

“We went outside to check and there was a brick on the ground and a mark on the door.

“We went to have a look to see who had thrown it but there was no-one around.

“I told the on-site manager who then called the police who turned up to have a look.”

Some students say a woman has also been approaching them in the street and shouting in their faces.

Mr James said: “I was on my way home from the Co-op on Denton Street when I passed this woman. She turned to me and started yelling. It was disturbing.”

Other students told the News & Star they had also been shouted at in the street and expressed concerns that there was less on-site security now, than they had during Freshers’ Week, leaving them feeling vulnerable.

Joanne Ker, 18, from Glasgow, is another resident who has experienced problems – this time with young children from the neighbourhood who have been making a nuisance of themselves in the car park.

She said: “I went over to my car and there were kids sat on a wall nearby.

“Then a boy came and sat on the front of my car. He looked about seven. I walked over and he just giggled, then him and his friends jumped over the wall and ran away.”

Site manager Fiona Stewart said there were on-site security patrols during the night, but there were no plans to have security in place during the day.

“If the students are upset they can always come and speak to us,” she said.

Some people have welcomed the influx of students, claiming it will give the area a much-needed shot in the arm.

Viv Dodd, 69, who has lived in Denton Holme for more than 30 years, said: “I think the long term benefits for the area are going to be tremendous.”

Philip McCray, the former owner of McCray’s on Denton Street, was running the newsagent opposite the student digs over the weekend. He said: “To me they are a positive asset to the area and they will help pick it up.”

Bargain Booze and the Co-operative on Denton Street have both seen an upturn in trade.

The student accommodation is run by Derwent FM, a facilities management company.

First published at 13:33, Monday, 22 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk