Extra security called in at Sheffield student accommodation after ‘large group gatherings’

A student staying at The Forge on Boston Street, just south of the city centre, contacted The Star anonymously to complain about groups larger than the maximum number of six permitted under Covid-19 rules congregating.

Sheffield faces lockdown ‘within a week’ as Covid-19 cases among university students soar

They claimed that large groups often gathered late at night outside the accommodation, which is home to more than 1,000 students, and students were frequently seen moving between blocks despite the ‘no guest’ policy in place.

An email had been sent to residents of the block, managed by Unite Students, stating that a ‘safety team will be patrolling all sites on a regular basis and will be taking action against anybody breaching these rules’, but the student claimed to have seen no evidence of such patrols.

“I do not believe that Unite Students are taking the potential consequences of an outbreak seriously given that two halls of residence at Manchester Metropolitan University have gone into lockdown after 127 students tested positive for coronavirus, would it not be appropriate for Unite Students to be proactive in preventing this occurring at this site and others in Sheffield,” they said.

What must happen before Sheffield follows Leeds into local lockdown with strict restrictions

"I do not expect security/safety teams to police the grounds; however, a presence onsite to remind students not to gather in groups and move between blocks may help.”

The student added that they had voiced their concerns to Unite Students in an email but had yet to receive a response.

In a joint statement, Unite Students and Sheffield Hallam University said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff, students and the wider community are our top priority and at the heart of all our decision-making. We are working closely with our university partners, local councils, police and public health bodies to provide the best support possible to students as well as to our staff.

Thugs destroy grave and smear MUD on picture of Sheffield United fan killed in hit-and-run

“Unite Students has put in place additional security at The Forge to ensure students and our staff remain safe and secure. Our strong advice remains that it is every students’ responsibility to follow current government Covid-19 guidance, including household interactions, wearing face coverings, and social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus.

“We expect that the overwhelming majority of students will be responsible and follow the guidelines. In cases where that does not happen, we will remind students of their responsibilities. The university cannot rule out taking firm action against any students who fail to act in accordance with the law on social gatherings.

“Our focus remains on communicating regularly with students and we encourage any student who has any concerns or is struggling in any way to contact Unite Students or reach out for support from the university.”

Sheffield Hallam University this week announced it was moving more teaching online after revealing that 369 students and four members of staff had tested positive for Covid-19 since the beginning of the new academic year.

At the University of Sheffield, meanwhile, 583 students and six members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus.