NEW students due to attend University College Worcester will be given a warm welcome as well as a stern warning when they arrive for the new term.

The college authorities say they have worked hard during the summer to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour by students.

Residents of St John's, who have suffered criminal damage and vandalism following student nights out, are optimistic about the new term.

They are encouraged by the measures taken by the college to ensure that the 2,500 new students, due to start courses in the next couple of weeks, enjoy their time at UCW but also behave themselves.

A forum made up of representatives from the college, city and county councillors and West Mercia police is due to hold its third meeting, and second public meeting, next week.

The college has also set up a hotline for residents to call to register their complaints and the student union has begun a "Good Neighbour Scheme" to promote better relations with the community.

Resident Patricia Simon, of Nelson Road, said she was glad the college was working with the community.

"We have already had letters from the college about parking," she said.

"I am happy with what the college is doing. I think they have made a good start."

College registrar John Ryan said this time of year was always an exciting time for them, but they would have a zero tolerance policy on yobbish behaviour.

"We look forward to welcoming both the new students joining us for the first time, as well as returning students," he said.

"But any UCW student found to be involved in anti-social behaviour will face disciplinary action, which would initially be a warning but if they persist they would be asked to leave."

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17, in the colleges' conference centre from 5pm.

The meeting is only open to those people who left their names and addresses at the last meeting on Wednesday, August 27.