Just a quick post.
As most of you aren't aware, I have been making Freedom of Information (FOI) requests this summer. One of them, however, has caught the attention of an internet newspaper/ journal. If you are interested, go to: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/10/southampton_freedom_of_info/
See if you can spot yours truly!
P.S. A new blog post is not far off...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
A week of sport
A week is a long time, so I thought I’d do a roundup of the week’s sport for this post.
The main story of the week has to be the death of the ex-England, Newcastle, Ipswich and Barcelona manager Sir Bobby Robson at the age of 76. Sir Bobby finally succumbed the cancer he had successfully fought off five times. In a career that spanned a lifetime, he was one of the most respected managers in the game winning the FA cup and Uefa cup at the unfashionable Ipswich Town in a thirteen year reign.
After these achievements, the England job beckoned. Hounded by the media during his first few years, Robson managed an England side that reached the quarter finals of the world cup in 1986, going out the Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal and then the greatest individual goal the world has ever seen.
Then in 1990 Robson took England a stage further, reaching the World Cup semi-finals, only to be beaten on penalties by West Germany. If England would have won, they would have been favourites for the final. Whilst Robson did not achieve victory, he guided England further than any other manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1966 triumph.
After England, he managed abroad, winning friends in Holland, Portugal (where he met a young Jose Mourinho) and Spain. However, his last managerial job was the one he always wanted – Newcastle United. He took United back into Europe, finishing fourth in the league. He never got that elusive piece of silverware and was sacked for underachievement – Newcastle finished 5th. What they would give to even be the Premier League now. Many would argue that everything fell apart after Robson’s departure.
Robson’s last public appearance was at St James’ Park last Sunday at a charity game – a re-run of the 1990 World Cup semi-final which England won 3-2. He will be remembered as a great manager and player, but also as an excellent ambassador for the sport who no-one had a bad word for.
In other sports news, the return of Michael Schumacher to Formula One has many fans foaming at the mouth. The horrendous crash of Felipe Massa (a piece of another car hit him whilst driving at 120mph) has led to another sporting comeback. This year is turning into the one of the comeback, with Lance Armstrong being another one to return to the sport that made him famous. Whether Schumacher will emulate some of the success that made him the most successful driver in F1 history is yet to be seen, but he is sure to bring more publicity to the world’s greatest car chase.
One of the successes of the week has been Britain’s swimmers, particularly the women. Gemma Spofforth won the 100m backstroke - setting a world record in the process – whilst Jo Jackson and Rebecca Adlington won silver and bronze respectively in the 400m freestyle. Fran Halsall won silver in the 100 freestyle, whilst the women also won bronze in the 200m freestyle relay. There are also more medal opportunities as Jackson and Adlington have both qualified for the 800m freestyle final.
Britain’s female swimmers are enjoying a golden age, and despite the swimming suit argument, they are among the best in the world at the moment. Hopefully they will succeed at the Olympics in 2012.
Talking of hosting tournaments, the decade of sport is really starting to take place. Britain has the Olympics in 2012, the Rugby League World Cup in 2013, the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Rugby Union World Cup in 2015. There is also the hope of the football world cup in 2018. This really would be a way to grow oneself out of recession.
There are many more sports stories, but I think that will do for this week.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
And in the news this week...
I’m currently sitting here backing up my home’s desktop PC, which is taking far too long, so I thought I’d whip out my laptop and write a post.
We’re backing up the computer because I’m planning to wipe it shortly. This is due to my brother leaving for South Africa on rugby tour for two weeks on Thursday. This gives me loads of time to work on the computer (which he has wrecked), as well as re-claim the PS2. Mom is also preparing a de-fumigating of his room. Apparently I’m off to buy the suit later so I don’t catch anything when/ if I go in there...
Other than that, I’ve been spending my time applying for jobs sporadically, and failing to get work experience because I’m not on a media studies/ journalism based degree, although newspapers recommend doing your BA in a subject that is not media studies/ broadcast journalism.
Nonetheless, I’ve been using the time usefully. This has included reading, by which I mean reading for fun – something I don’t get to do very often at Uni. I’m currently reading the excellent ‘Stalingrad’ by Anthony Beevor. I’m about 260 pages in. I’ve also read some Reginald Hill, Ben Elton, Stephen King and Ian Mortimer. My course books will be bought soon though, and I’ll crack on with those.
In addition to this, I’ve been making my way through the Simon and Garfunkel albums I got for my birthday (all 5 of them, plus a concert DVD!). There are some interesting variations on some of my favourite tracks, and some of the more folksy ones are becoming fast favourites with me. I’m sure my housemates will rejoice to hear me belt them out come September...
Finally, I’ve spent some time working on a big project for Leeds Student. I hope that in the next few weeks this will prove to have been a fruitful use of my time and also give me a good article. And for the eagle eyed among you, you won’t find what the project is about in my previous post – I’m keeping this one very close to my chest! In addition to this I have written a first draft of an article for ‘The Guide’ issue and starting to plan ‘The Guide’ for features.
Well, as the song currently playing reminds me, “I’ll continue to continue” on backing up the computer.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Hitting the 'write' note
Well, having reached the grand old age of 20 and still unemployed for the summer, I have tentatively began to start on projects for next year.
Academic projects, I hear you cry. Nope, I’m currently brainstorming and researching projects for my new position at the Leeds Student as Features Editor. One of the joys of this job as opposed to being a News Editor will mean that I can plan and write in advance. Hence I am making a start.
The first ‘issue’ of LS will be ‘The Guide’ issue. This will hopefully be out in Fresher’s week and will be a guide for students (both new and old) to the University of Leeds. I’ve had some basic ideas about this, such as student support, the University, the Union and a few others. I’m hoping to write one on the support available at the Uni, something I believe is crucial.
Looking into the actual issues (of LS), this is more interesting. Some tentative ideas have been wide-ranging. From ones about student alcohol use, student politics, politics in general, the recession and student living to ones about student suicide, sport societies (chess, etc) and recycling. Wide ranging, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Whilst I am still gutted to have been removed from news, especially in the manner I was, there are possibilities in features. And despite this, I will have control and act as a guiding voice in News to begin with, so I’ll have some input!
If anyone has any thoughts for features (or news stories), let me know and I’ll have a think. You could even help me write it, if you want!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bigger than the internet?
Michael Jackson’s death caused has caused shockwaves throughout the world, with fans mourning the death of the proclaimed ‘King of Pop.’ However, with his death being the front page of many websites, other reports circulating the web indicate that his death has caused shockwaves on the world’s social networking sites.
The server of the popular microblogging service ‘Twitter’ crashed with the number of people posting status updates. Before the company’s server’s crashed, it was noted that “Michael Jackson” appeared in more than 66,500 Twitter updates. Reports suggest that there were more than 100,000 posts per hour on the site on Thursday afternoon (American time).
Facebook similarly showed the breaking of the news, with many of my friend’s posting status updates regarding Jackson’s death, with several updating every time a new announcement was made. In addition to this, many people replied to updates with many statuses’ getting several comments by many authors.
Status updates left by people show “a true legend died tonight,” “mourning” and “Thriller to number 1 on Sunday?” This shows how the world has evolved, with 24 hour news cycles and people’s views being aired in various multi-media related ways.
Wider Internet
The site that broke the news of Jackson’s death, TMZ, also crashed. People who searched for Michael Jackson were greeted with an error page as opposed to one giving search results. Google have admitted that searches for Jacksons rose astronomically during the peak where he was reported dead. Other big internet sites reported an increase in traffic.
The media storm that surrounds Jackson’s death has also shown the world the problem with Wikipedia. The online encyclopaedia suffered issues last night as people were editing Jackson’s Wikipedia page with up-to-the-minute information. It shows how anyone can change Wikipedia and that as an academic tool it should be used to guidelines, but perhaps not as one that can be 100% used, which needs corroboration before being presented as true.
Jackson’s death has caused a mass-media frenzy, both among journalists and the wider public. Questions over whether he had passed his prime musically and over allegations of paedophilia are all part of the Jackson debate, but perhaps the story not read by many will be the changing character of the internet on the world.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
In Memorandum
Today saw the last day of use of my faithful, trusty, eventually worn out watch. It has been on its last legs for the last few months, and I have decided to take it off the life support that is super-glue. It has had its last wearing.
The watch has been through the good and the bad times, the happy and the sad, the comic and the not so comic. One memory I have of it was on its last repairing, where I superglued both my thumbs to the watch, much to the amusement of Steve and Amanda.
I have decided to move on, and buy a new watch.
This might seem odd for a post, but the breaking of the watch has left me reflecting on life. That watch has been with through every major exam I have sat from GCSE onwards, and it has successfully woken me up at 6.42 (during school years) and 7.00 (at Uni).
Time marches on (as the watch has unfortunately found out), and I am nearly the grand old age of 20! Wow! What have I achieved in 20 years? Not a lot admittedly, but I think surviving the first 20 years of my life is quite an achievement. Anywhoo, enough with the morbid stuff.
In 20 years of life, how many rainforests have I destroyed in using paper for revision? How many Mars bars have I eaten? And how many times have I been disappointed when watching the might Aston Villa? (far too many!).
My watch has been a staple in my life, a constant, as it fulfils my obsession with time (I won’t quote any Larkin or Keats here, much to the relief of my readers!). Whilst I will not be as helpless as throwing a hamster off the Titanic, I will be a little lost without it for a time.
However, I will paste one of my favourite poems, ‘The Sunlight on the Garden,’ by Louis MacNeice. Whilst it is not about watches, it is about the passing of time, and looks for a beauty in loss.
The sunlight on the garden
Hardens and grows cold,
We cannot cage the minute
Within its nets of gold;
When all is told
We cannot beg for pardon.
Our freedom as free lances
Advances towards its end;
The earth compels, upon it
Sonnets and birds descend;
And soon, my friend,
We shall have no time for dances.
The sky was good for flying
Defying the church bells
And every evil iron
Siren and what it tells:
The earth compels,
We are dying, Egypt, dying
And not expecting pardon,
Hardened in heart anew,
But glad to have sat under
Thunder and rain with you,
And grateful too
For sunlight on the garden.
It has been a fine servant, and hence I dedicate this post.
The watch has been through the good and the bad times, the happy and the sad, the comic and the not so comic. One memory I have of it was on its last repairing, where I superglued both my thumbs to the watch, much to the amusement of Steve and Amanda.
I have decided to move on, and buy a new watch.
This might seem odd for a post, but the breaking of the watch has left me reflecting on life. That watch has been with through every major exam I have sat from GCSE onwards, and it has successfully woken me up at 6.42 (during school years) and 7.00 (at Uni).
Time marches on (as the watch has unfortunately found out), and I am nearly the grand old age of 20! Wow! What have I achieved in 20 years? Not a lot admittedly, but I think surviving the first 20 years of my life is quite an achievement. Anywhoo, enough with the morbid stuff.
In 20 years of life, how many rainforests have I destroyed in using paper for revision? How many Mars bars have I eaten? And how many times have I been disappointed when watching the might Aston Villa? (far too many!).
My watch has been a staple in my life, a constant, as it fulfils my obsession with time (I won’t quote any Larkin or Keats here, much to the relief of my readers!). Whilst I will not be as helpless as throwing a hamster off the Titanic, I will be a little lost without it for a time.
However, I will paste one of my favourite poems, ‘The Sunlight on the Garden,’ by Louis MacNeice. Whilst it is not about watches, it is about the passing of time, and looks for a beauty in loss.
The sunlight on the garden
Hardens and grows cold,
We cannot cage the minute
Within its nets of gold;
When all is told
We cannot beg for pardon.
Our freedom as free lances
Advances towards its end;
The earth compels, upon it
Sonnets and birds descend;
And soon, my friend,
We shall have no time for dances.
The sky was good for flying
Defying the church bells
And every evil iron
Siren and what it tells:
The earth compels,
We are dying, Egypt, dying
And not expecting pardon,
Hardened in heart anew,
But glad to have sat under
Thunder and rain with you,
And grateful too
For sunlight on the garden.
It has been a fine servant, and hence I dedicate this post.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
“Events dear boy, events”
Possibly about to become the most over-used phrase in my essays, Harold Macmillan’s words have become relevant to my last term at Leeds.
The newspaper has been going strongly, with some fantastic pieces (see the post below for proof!), including a piece on energy use, student housing and library fines. I had very little to do with those though!
Three pieces I’ve written in the last 10 weeks have caused debate, complaints and possible lawsuits.
The first one was on the student occupation of Botany house. The main controversy was over the headline “Extremist’s “stir up tensions on campus.” I’ll defend this headline with my life, as it was never meant to cause offence. In twenty-first century vocabulary, extremist is linked with Islamic terrorists. It was never meant like that. They were referred to as extremists as taking a university building is a fairly extreme form of protest – especially given that last year LUU’s most exciting protests were cake sales! The fact that we did not print a quote which would have portrayed them as extremists shows that we were balanced and not out to do a simple hack job (One protester admitted to being for the destruction of the British state). For me, this was the best piece that I’ve written this year, and I loved the fact that in that week, I had the time to interview the protesters, look round the house, and do the first of Leeds Student’s now infamous page 4 and 5 spread.
The second piece to cause controversy has been the most dangerous to me personally, although I realised that if it came to anything serious, I would be clear of charges. The piece “Racism row engulfs Union” was about allegations of racism by an LUU member against LS: TV. LS: TV were understandably keen to try to limit the damage of the story – this included taking legal action against myself and the newspaper! I would like to explain a bit here about why I was clear, and LS: TV had themselves to blame. Firstly, they were aware of what was going to happen, and when I tried to talk to the station manager about the incident, his line was “It’s all in the statement.” I tried to explain the serious matter of the allegations to him, but he refused point-blank. This gave him a right to reply, something he later claimed he never had. I also spoke to the interviewer of the piece, which meant that I had spoken to a fairly key member of the team making the piece.
The key claim of racism was made through a script which had been written, claiming that the member of LUU was “the person with the Palestinian flag behind her desk.” LS: TV claimed that this was never written – there are multiple copies of the script everywhere. LS: TV wanted to sue us for defamation. I will argue that what I published was researched journalism which was in the public interest – at no point did the newspaper take a stance, we reported it as it was. Fair, unbiased journalism.
Although one can argue that the article was tabloided up – that had nothing to do with me. The final decisions were those of the editor, and I stand by those too. Both sides need to come together on this, and be reasonable. This appears to be happening, as tension has cooled. In future, I think greater communication from both sides is required, and that the next manager of LS: TV needs to be less hasty in making assumptions, as well as calming themselves when sending serious emails.
Finally, the final complaints came from the “Sex attack on campus” article. This was my first real crime story, and took a lot of legal work from Laurie, to whom I am grateful. One complaint argues that we link the victim to the cottaging that take place – at no point do we do this. Whilst we need to treat this with compassion, I am not too worried about its ramifications. This was an interesting story to write, and got me my front page of the term.
Only three issues left now, and then the team moves on. I will miss Virginia and Claire – they have been great fellow editors. Hopefully Matty and I will continue as News editors – he has been a revelation this year, and we write well together. I don’t believe I will be made associate next year – I would love to be one, and believe I would be good in the role, but I will embrace the News editorship with both hands once again to be the most complained about writer on the team!
On a personal level, the term has been a good one. Exams went well – much better than expected (a 69, 68 and 66), and I got my first ever first on an essay (76). Modules this semester are very enjoyable – I just hope I can continue to get good grades.
I started with “Events dear boy, events.” I’ll end with that too, as that is the only answer I will give to an event in my personal life that makes me very happy.
To all my readers (all 4 of them!), have a good Easter.
The newspaper has been going strongly, with some fantastic pieces (see the post below for proof!), including a piece on energy use, student housing and library fines. I had very little to do with those though!
Three pieces I’ve written in the last 10 weeks have caused debate, complaints and possible lawsuits.
The first one was on the student occupation of Botany house. The main controversy was over the headline “Extremist’s “stir up tensions on campus.” I’ll defend this headline with my life, as it was never meant to cause offence. In twenty-first century vocabulary, extremist is linked with Islamic terrorists. It was never meant like that. They were referred to as extremists as taking a university building is a fairly extreme form of protest – especially given that last year LUU’s most exciting protests were cake sales! The fact that we did not print a quote which would have portrayed them as extremists shows that we were balanced and not out to do a simple hack job (One protester admitted to being for the destruction of the British state). For me, this was the best piece that I’ve written this year, and I loved the fact that in that week, I had the time to interview the protesters, look round the house, and do the first of Leeds Student’s now infamous page 4 and 5 spread.
The second piece to cause controversy has been the most dangerous to me personally, although I realised that if it came to anything serious, I would be clear of charges. The piece “Racism row engulfs Union” was about allegations of racism by an LUU member against LS: TV. LS: TV were understandably keen to try to limit the damage of the story – this included taking legal action against myself and the newspaper! I would like to explain a bit here about why I was clear, and LS: TV had themselves to blame. Firstly, they were aware of what was going to happen, and when I tried to talk to the station manager about the incident, his line was “It’s all in the statement.” I tried to explain the serious matter of the allegations to him, but he refused point-blank. This gave him a right to reply, something he later claimed he never had. I also spoke to the interviewer of the piece, which meant that I had spoken to a fairly key member of the team making the piece.
The key claim of racism was made through a script which had been written, claiming that the member of LUU was “the person with the Palestinian flag behind her desk.” LS: TV claimed that this was never written – there are multiple copies of the script everywhere. LS: TV wanted to sue us for defamation. I will argue that what I published was researched journalism which was in the public interest – at no point did the newspaper take a stance, we reported it as it was. Fair, unbiased journalism.
Although one can argue that the article was tabloided up – that had nothing to do with me. The final decisions were those of the editor, and I stand by those too. Both sides need to come together on this, and be reasonable. This appears to be happening, as tension has cooled. In future, I think greater communication from both sides is required, and that the next manager of LS: TV needs to be less hasty in making assumptions, as well as calming themselves when sending serious emails.
Finally, the final complaints came from the “Sex attack on campus” article. This was my first real crime story, and took a lot of legal work from Laurie, to whom I am grateful. One complaint argues that we link the victim to the cottaging that take place – at no point do we do this. Whilst we need to treat this with compassion, I am not too worried about its ramifications. This was an interesting story to write, and got me my front page of the term.
Only three issues left now, and then the team moves on. I will miss Virginia and Claire – they have been great fellow editors. Hopefully Matty and I will continue as News editors – he has been a revelation this year, and we write well together. I don’t believe I will be made associate next year – I would love to be one, and believe I would be good in the role, but I will embrace the News editorship with both hands once again to be the most complained about writer on the team!
On a personal level, the term has been a good one. Exams went well – much better than expected (a 69, 68 and 66), and I got my first ever first on an essay (76). Modules this semester are very enjoyable – I just hope I can continue to get good grades.
I started with “Events dear boy, events.” I’ll end with that too, as that is the only answer I will give to an event in my personal life that makes me very happy.
To all my readers (all 4 of them!), have a good Easter.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sex attack on campus
Police appeal for witnesses after alleged afternoon assault in Parkinson toilets
Police are appealing for witnesses after a male student was the victim of a alleged serious sexual assault on campus.
A 21-year-old male student was reportedly attacked in the basement toilets of the Parkinson building between the hours of 1pm and 3pm on February 19.
The University has moved to reassure its students that their welfare is of utmost importance. “We were saddened and shocked to hear about the alleged sexual assault in Parkinson building reported last week,” a University spokesperson said. “These incidents are, fortunately, very rare and it is the first incident of its type ever reported on campus.”
The incident occurs in the wake of several Leeds Student investigations into the Parkinson’s toilets, a known hotspot for males cruising for sex.
In 2007 patrols in the Parkinson building were stepped up as a result of this paper’s articles into anonymous sex cruising, or ‘cottaging’ in the same facilities.The University explained that campus safety measures would again be examined in light of this particluar incident.
‘Cottaging’ refers to homosexual encounters in public lavatories, often arranged anonymously through Internet sites.As early as 2005, Leeds Student revealed that in the Parkinson basement toilets “men would meet up for regular lunchtime liaisons and use the self-drilled spy-holes to peer at others.”
The sexuality of the attacker in the alleged assault is, as yet, unknown.
An investigation of Squirt.org, a website where ‘cruisers’ can agree to meet up, revealed the popularity of the Parkinson as a cottaging venue. One site member described a recent visit to the toilets: “Sat after noon was great here. Loads of guys to chose (sic) from.”
Postings regarding the toilets were still being made in the days leading up to the recently alleged attack, with one appearing just seven hours earlier.The message, posted at 6.19am on Thursday February 19 asked: “Who goin 2 day”, while another posted the day before read: “Anyone about 2m, 4ish?”
The website has since warned members to remain vigilant. The post by Ed, the Squirt Editor, told members to continue to “cruise carefully” and also warned them to beware of attention from media and police at other local sites.Another member warned fellow cruisers to be wary after he, “Popped in here today around 12pm and noticed some CID officers having a good look around this place, so beware guys, they are on the prowl.”
The website details directions to the Parkinson building, including bus routes and nearest car parks. It claims that the best time to be there is “In the afternoon” as there are “lots of horny students ready to work off that tension.” There are 100 comments about the location, and it receives a 4 star rating.
Steve Smith, the writer of both articles on cottaging in the Parkinson toilets commented: “We exposed the Parkinson toilets as a popular location for cottagers across the city in 2005 and again highlighted the dangers of continuing activities in 2007.
“For the University not to have stamped this out in three and a half years is little short of negligent and shows a complete disregard for the welfare of students.”
Steve continued: “Usually cottaging is a paranoid and subtle activity that is far from aggressive, yet I'm not shocked that a sexual attack has taken place. Any location open to the public where these acts are left unchecked, welcomes a range of possible dangers.
Matthew Edwards, LGBT events and promotions officer, called for a thorough and sensitive investigation into the assault:
“The LGBT Society is very concerned about the attacks in Parkinson basement toilets. The issue needs to be dealt with in a mature and delicate way that protects users of the toilets without discriminating against any potential users.”
The University said that campus safety measures would be examined: “The safety of our students, staff and visitors is paramount and we are looking at how any further incidents can be prevented, including increasing the number of CCTV cameras and the number of security patrols."
“If anyone does feel uncomfortable about an approach or the behaviour of others then they should report this to University security on their emergency number 0113 343 2222.”
Information about personal safety is available at www.luuonline.com or students can contact the Student Advice Centre.Anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone with any information is asked to contact North West Leeds CID on 0845 6060606.
Posted in Issue 15 - LS1 > News on Friday 6th March, 2009
Police are appealing for witnesses after a male student was the victim of a alleged serious sexual assault on campus.
A 21-year-old male student was reportedly attacked in the basement toilets of the Parkinson building between the hours of 1pm and 3pm on February 19.
The University has moved to reassure its students that their welfare is of utmost importance. “We were saddened and shocked to hear about the alleged sexual assault in Parkinson building reported last week,” a University spokesperson said. “These incidents are, fortunately, very rare and it is the first incident of its type ever reported on campus.”
The incident occurs in the wake of several Leeds Student investigations into the Parkinson’s toilets, a known hotspot for males cruising for sex.
In 2007 patrols in the Parkinson building were stepped up as a result of this paper’s articles into anonymous sex cruising, or ‘cottaging’ in the same facilities.The University explained that campus safety measures would again be examined in light of this particluar incident.
‘Cottaging’ refers to homosexual encounters in public lavatories, often arranged anonymously through Internet sites.As early as 2005, Leeds Student revealed that in the Parkinson basement toilets “men would meet up for regular lunchtime liaisons and use the self-drilled spy-holes to peer at others.”
The sexuality of the attacker in the alleged assault is, as yet, unknown.
An investigation of Squirt.org, a website where ‘cruisers’ can agree to meet up, revealed the popularity of the Parkinson as a cottaging venue. One site member described a recent visit to the toilets: “Sat after noon was great here. Loads of guys to chose (sic) from.”
Postings regarding the toilets were still being made in the days leading up to the recently alleged attack, with one appearing just seven hours earlier.The message, posted at 6.19am on Thursday February 19 asked: “Who goin 2 day”, while another posted the day before read: “Anyone about 2m, 4ish?”
The website has since warned members to remain vigilant. The post by Ed, the Squirt Editor, told members to continue to “cruise carefully” and also warned them to beware of attention from media and police at other local sites.Another member warned fellow cruisers to be wary after he, “Popped in here today around 12pm and noticed some CID officers having a good look around this place, so beware guys, they are on the prowl.”
The website details directions to the Parkinson building, including bus routes and nearest car parks. It claims that the best time to be there is “In the afternoon” as there are “lots of horny students ready to work off that tension.” There are 100 comments about the location, and it receives a 4 star rating.
Steve Smith, the writer of both articles on cottaging in the Parkinson toilets commented: “We exposed the Parkinson toilets as a popular location for cottagers across the city in 2005 and again highlighted the dangers of continuing activities in 2007.
“For the University not to have stamped this out in three and a half years is little short of negligent and shows a complete disregard for the welfare of students.”
Steve continued: “Usually cottaging is a paranoid and subtle activity that is far from aggressive, yet I'm not shocked that a sexual attack has taken place. Any location open to the public where these acts are left unchecked, welcomes a range of possible dangers.
Matthew Edwards, LGBT events and promotions officer, called for a thorough and sensitive investigation into the assault:
“The LGBT Society is very concerned about the attacks in Parkinson basement toilets. The issue needs to be dealt with in a mature and delicate way that protects users of the toilets without discriminating against any potential users.”
The University said that campus safety measures would be examined: “The safety of our students, staff and visitors is paramount and we are looking at how any further incidents can be prevented, including increasing the number of CCTV cameras and the number of security patrols."
“If anyone does feel uncomfortable about an approach or the behaviour of others then they should report this to University security on their emergency number 0113 343 2222.”
Information about personal safety is available at www.luuonline.com or students can contact the Student Advice Centre.Anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone with any information is asked to contact North West Leeds CID on 0845 6060606.
Posted in Issue 15 - LS1 > News on Friday 6th March, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)