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CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY CARDIF Y
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F ISSUE 913 FEBRUARY 01 2010
ENGIN Rugby: Those food poisoning sources revealed inside!
a PHOTO: JAMIE THUNDER
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Cockroaches and bedbugs found in Talybont halls of residence Jamie Thunder News Editor
A block in Talybont South has been hit by an infestation of cockroaches and bedbugs, but Cardiff University is not telling students before they move in to replace those who have left. Last semester one student moved out of her room in Block 23, while two others have been unable to sleep in their rooms while they are treated. Students in several flats in the block have told gair rhydd that they have had cockroaches in their cupboards, bedrooms, and even fridges. The insects were reported to the University in September and are still there, de-
spite traps being laid and pest control visits, although the number and regularity of sightings have fluctuated. One student reported seeing a cockroach crawl across their pillow, while another said that one fell on their head as they opened their bedroom door. Those who complained initially were offered alternative accommodation by the University but only one took it up, moving to Talybont Court. The others didn’t because of the disruption of moving. In one flat at least two of the rooms have had bedbugs. One student moved back home to Newport after finding bedbugs and dead cockroaches in her bed despite her room having been treated. She is expecting to return to her room this weekend, having lived out of it on and off since October. At
least one room in a different flat has also been affected. Since then, an exchange student has moved into the room vacated due to cockroaches. She was only told of the problems by her new flatmates once she moved in. Another student had looked round the same room but decided not to move in after learning about the insects from the residents. Richella Dennehy, who moved out of Talybont South because of the cockroaches, said that it was unfair for another student to move in without knowing about them. “I think it’s quite mean,” she said, “I feel sorry for her.” First-year psychology student James Tucker wrote to the residences manager at Talybont South last term asking for reimbursement of some
of his £3,000-a-year residence fees. This was rejected in early December because immediate action had been taken. This action, however, did not solve the problem. Richella also said that students who were still in the block should be compensated. “We’re paying three thousand pounds a year for this – no-one else has cockroaches, but we’re paying the same,” she said. Welfare, Campaigns and Communications Officer Ed Dolding expressed concern about the allegations, and said he had contacted the residences department about them. “If what has been reported is true, this is of course completely unacceptable. My personal opinion is that any student who is living in halls with such infestations should be compen-
sated for the disruption caused and given the option to move if they wish until the problem is resolved. “Furthermore, the idea that new students are being placed in flats that have been previously vacated because of an infestation that hasn't yet been resolved borders on gross negligence on the part of the halls' managers.” He added that students with any housing-related issue should contact the Union’s Advice and Representation Centre. A University spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, since September there have been instances of infestation of German Cockroaches at Talybont South which has lead to an intensive treatment regime.” continued on page 2