North of England Nightclub death raises concerns over Durham student influx MP calls for inquiries into death of Olivia Burt and into safety of city’s nighttime environment Durham University’s student population has risen by almost 5,000 since 2003. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/for the GuardianAn MP has demanded an independent investigation into the death of a university student outside a Durham nightclub amid warnings that the cathedral city is struggling to cope with a mass influx of young people. Mike Barton, the chief constable of Durham police, said the force had worked with the council to improve safety in the city centre. There has to be give and take on both sides.”Overcrowding has long been a concern among long-term residents in the city centre. We effectively live on a campus.”Roger Cornwell, chair of the Durham city neighbourhood planning forum, said: “The university has got to look again at its plans to expand student numbers.

Source: The Guardian February 13, 2018 17:32 UTC