THIS month thousands students will begin a new chapter of life here in Bradford.

Many of them will be living away from home for the first time and will understandably be nervous as they settle in.

Fresher’s week at Bradford College and the University of Bradford allows students to find their feet to discover their new surroundings and learn about life in the city.

Of paramount importance is student safety and security. Here, Bradford is a leader in the field, with its Student Safe Spot scheme.

Run by the crime-fighting initiative City Centre Beat, Student Safe Spot is the product of a partnership between Bradford Police, Bradford Council, Bradford College, the University of Bradford and businesses. Set up five years ago, the scheme involves members displaying yellow logos alerting students to their offer of a safe haven if needed.

Cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues are among the members who offer a refuge. They will also give students directions should they lose their way, or other information to help them.

“The scheme is very much one of reassurance, not only for students but for their parents too, by letting them know that there are people in the community looking after their welfare,” said Steve Longbottom, who along with colleague Steve Baker, manages City Centre Beat.

Since the scheme – which has around 60 members – began, students have made use of member’s premises, but, adds Steve, “Not often.”

This year closer links are being forged between businesses, the college and university.

Steve said: “We looked at how we could be more proactive and have identified a number of members who work within the confines of the university and college, and the city centre. This diverse group could work closely with the educational establishments.”

Neighbourhood policing teams and street wardens can link with the scheme and report any incidents in the university area. Drivers at Metro Taxis, which works with the college and university students’ unions and has a strong presence in the area, and those working with the free City Bus can also act as eyes and ears on the streets.

“While the scheme was formed to tackle issues of harassment against females we can identify other issues that need to be addressed such as dangerous driving, inconsiderate parking or begging,” said Steve, adding that the focus continues to be on safety.

Staff at safe spots are given basic training packages so they can offer help if needed.

Bradford’s Street Angels are also an important presence in the area, offering further reassurance.

“We would like to work more closely with them,” said Steve. “The focus will continue to be on safety.”

The Alhambra, the Midland Hotel, Delius Lived Next Door pub and The Green student accommodation block are among other premises who are working closely within the scheme.

Other links could be created: student unions, for instance, could liaise with businesses to offer student discounts, which could be promoted on their websites.

Details of the Student Safe Spot scheme are handed to students during freshers’ week.

“We have a promotional stand and give out literature including a map showing the locations of members,” said Steve.

A new Student Safe Spot website is also being developed.

Mark Hirst, facilities manager at Bradford College, was one of the founder members of the scheme and continues to be actively involved.

He said: “We had a safety and security forum with our partners and we used that as a conduit to report concerns.

“We wanted to address concerns that were repeating themselves year after year.”

He stresses that Bradford is a safe city.

“It is very safe, and the college and university have very safe campuses,” added Mark.

“Obviously Bradford is a city and we do experience some problems, similar to other cities, but not as often as people think.

“The biggest thing we deal with is fear of perceived problems, and the scheme provides reassurance.”

The scheme has generated much interest from educational establishments elsewhere in UK. Steve said: “We have had visits from people from Leeds, York, Manchester and Swansea.

See citycentrebeat.co.uk/safespot or facebook.com/student.safe.spot.bradford