Gloucestershire University students' cars splattered with eggs

STUDENTS' cars are being attacked in a row over parking.

Police were called in after three vehicles were left with slashed tyres and another one was splattered with raw eggs in Manser Street, St Paul's Cheltenham.

It comes as streets near the university's Francis Close Hall Campus have become swamped with extra vehicles since the start of the new term. Officers have not ruled out the possibility it was vigilante residents targeting students to get their own back for parking on 'their' turf.

Residents claimed St Paul's had been the scene of several angry clashes in the last week.

"It's bedlam around here at the moment," said one woman, from Manser Street, who asked to remain anonymous.

"Since the students arrived back they have been parking wherever they like.

"You can't get a space in the street – it's absolutely rammed.

"It has also made it dangerous because there are just too many cars. In the summer, kids can be out here playing in the street but now it's not safe."

Residents said some people were parking their cars on the pavement, causing an obstruction to pedestrians.

Another man, also of Manser Street, said: "I'm not surprised students have been targeted like this.

"People have been getting really angry.

"I don't condone egging cars or slashing tyres, but if students aren't more considerate about where they park then this kind of thing can happen."

Daud McDonald, of St Paul's Road, urged residents and students to communicate better in order to ease any tensions.

"The relationship between residents and students has improved a lot over the last few years," he said.

"We don't want people to resort to egging cars or slashing tyres.

"We all live in this community and taking that sort of action isn't going to help.

"Often people find if they just chat to the students who are living next door, they get on really well."

Dozens of students arrived back in St Paul's for the start of the new term this week.

One third-year scholar, who gave his name as Ben, said: "If you're living in St Paul's as a student, it's fair enough to want to park here.

"I think the problem is perhaps when students drive over for their lectures during the daytime it gets very busy."

University of Gloucestershire chiefs declined to comment on the egging incident.

But they did say work was ongoing to make sure students behaved considerately towards residents.

Community

Stewart Dove, director of student support at the university, said: "The university works hard to encourage students to be neighbourly and to be a real part of the community.

"Students are clearly advised over issues such as refuse collection, late-night noise and anti-social behaviour on a regular basis.

"In readiness for the new academic year, the university delivered a booklet to offer guidance and outline expectations to all houses in St Paul's."

Police have appealed for information about the crime, which was reported on Tuesday.

A force spokesman said: "We are aware of tensions between residents and students in the area and are following up all lines of inquiry to find out why these cars were targeted."

Anyone with information about this crime can contact police on 101 quoting incident 166 of September 18.