Reports of Durham University students having house parties in lockdown

The letter, shared with the Echo by the parish council, was sent to Vice Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Stuart Corbridge, asking the university to address such concerns to ‘reassure the residents of the city’ during this difficult time.

The letter, which was sent to the university on May 15, says that students have been coming back to the city during the lockdown – ignoring Durham University guidance telling students not to return unless it otherwise tells them to do so.

The parish council states that it has been made aware by concerned residents that a number of students in private accommodation have been returning to Durham to pick up belongings or to stay in the city.

According to the parish council, students are having house parties during the lockdown and are meeting up in groups in between their online exams.

The letter states: “It has been brought to our attention that a number of students in privately rented accommodation have been returning to the city to collect

their possessions or to remain despite the guidance.

“Some of the former has taken place during lockdown and at least two house parties, where all the occupants have arrived at the same time and then proceeded to engage in a social event within the properties, have been reported to us by concerned residents.”

Concerns have also been raised about the use of social media enabling students to arrange gatherings, with the worry that this will lead to others breaking the lockdown rules.

The parish council said: “We also know that students make extensive use of social media to make arrangements and what a few may be doing now could lead to more significant numbers appearing in the near future.”

Also highlighted was that students returning to the city will be coming from different households and parts of the country, posing a risk to the most vulnerable in the city, should the virus spread.

Durham Parish Council has asked the university to issue a statement to students informing them that they will need written consent from the university if they need to deviate from the rules.

It said: “We therefore write to you to ask if the University would be prepared to issue an unequivocal statement of requirement, rather than guidance, where any deviation will only be permitted by obtaining the explicit written consent of the University authorities.

“Such a statement would help reassure the residents of the City that the University also has their best interests in mind at this trying time.”

When contacted by the Echo, a Durham University representative said: “Durham University has received a letter from the City of Durham Parish Council, dated May 15, 2020.

“We will respond in due course.

“We continue to work closely with our partners in Durham, to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic with the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, students and local community as our priority.”

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