Re-launch of 'Monster' campaign to target students

A campaign to improve relations between students and residents in south Belfast was re-launched today by Northern Ireland's two universities.

The initiative, which also ran in February this year, targets students living in south Belfast and is an integral part of a wider strategy to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Asking the direct question: "Do you turn into a monster after dark?", Queen's University and the University of Ulster make a direct appeal to young people to respect their neighbours and help create conditions where everyone can live in peace.

Professor Bill Clarke, the University of Ulster's Provost with special responsibility for community relations, said: "This initiative is one strand in the University's community relations strategy. For several years we have been working actively with residents and students. We are happy to join forces with Queen's in partnership initiatives such as this.

"My message to students who choose to give in the Holyland is: please reflect on how your behaviour may affect the lives of other people living in the area. Students should be at all times be considerate and endeavour to be good neighbours."

Queen's Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McCormac said: "Anti-social behaviour is one of the biggest challenges facing Belfast, and is undermining its citizens' quality of life. The student community should be a positive force for good.

"We hope that by educating people about their responsibilities, building partnerships and through the application of discipline we will be able to deal with this problem."

The campaign, which was put together with an input from students and residents, graphically illustrates the problems faced by both groups and began its four week run on Monday.

(MB/SP)