Residents are riled as space chase hits streets

SWANSEA'S big student population means it is no surprise there is a problem with parking.

And with the new term now starting after Christmas, the city has to prepare itself for an influx of cars.

According to figures from Paragon Mortgages, Swansea ranks seventh in the top 50 largest student populations in the UK.

And while other universities struggle with the same problem, in Swansea public transport deals and calls for students not to use cars seems to be the only way forward.

But one nursing student at Swansea Metropolitan says for her and many others it is out of the question.

Stephanie Williams, aged 23, said: "I live in Skewen, so if I was to catch a bus to university it would take ages and I would have to change more than once. The train station is also miles from campus.

"It is just not worth it."

Miss Williams said she wished there were more parking facilities.

"There is only one car park for all the students in the city — the recreation ground, but it is costly on a student loan," she said. "Most of the people I know park in the Brynmill area."

And that is one of the main problems for residents living close to Swansea Met and Swansea University. Students frequently park in the streets near the campuses, taking up spaces outside homes.

Anne James, a Brynmill resident for 71 years, said parking was an ongoing problem.

"I think it is the universities' responsibility. Students should not be allowed to take cars," she said.

"At the moment, they make it hard for everybody."

Swansea University's student union president James Houston said they were aware of the frustrations of those living nearby and were trying to tackle the problem.

He said they had gone door to door on the streets where there were parking problems, asking residents about the issue and looking for ways of tackling the situation.

He said: "The response has been fantastic from residents and students.

"We do try to encourage students to use the Bright Orange Bus from First.

"We also encourage students not to bring a car and, if they do so, to get a permit."

But despite all the problems, there could be light at the end of the tunnel.

Vice-chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University David Warner said a new car park for staff of 80 places might ease the pressure at the university's Mount Pleasant campus.

He said: "Hopefully there will be a knock- on effect and there will be a reduction.

"As far as I am concerned, it will not solve the problem. But it should make it a bit better."

He said the university had also worked with bus firm First to encourage students to use public transport.

A Swansea University spokeswomansaid: "We are not currently in talks with the council about providing additional parking facilities for the university.

"We currently recommend students and visitors to park at the recreation ground car park, which is just a short walk away."