Thursday 17-10-2019 - 14:47

Lancaster University Students’ Union has suspended its marketing deal with Aparto Homes after concerns were raised by students about fire safety and other issues at Caton Court.

As with any new purpose-built student accommodation, the property should have building completion certification in place before occupation. All properties have been independently assessed to meet the Lancaster University Homes accreditation standard as managed by Lancaster University. We were therefore disappointed and concerned to learn that there had been issues at Caton Court.

The Students’ Union President, George Nuttall immediately wrote to Aparto this week to highlight our concerns, seek reassurances that the issues were being resolved, and ascertain the measures that are being put in place to mitigate and remedy the situation.

A response was received to the Union’s letter last night after further efforts to contact Aparto and the decision to suspend with immediate effect the Union’s marketing contract for Caton Court.

The suspension will remain in place until an adequate response from Aparto, answering all of the Union’s and students' concerns is received. We continue to liaise with Aparto, LU Homes and Lancaster City Council.

George Nuttall (President) said: “The health and safety of students is our paramount concern and we hope the immediate suspension of our contract with Aparto will signal the seriousness with which we view this situation.

We hope that we will receive assurances very soon that all the issues highlighted by students have been dealt with properly.

All properties marketed by Living are owned by independent landlords and we only let properties that have been independently assessed to meet the Lancaster University Homes accreditation standard".

The union will keep students informed of developments and any response they receive from Aparto or other agencies involved.

Our Advice Team are here to support any students independently and confidentially, you can email advice@lancastersu.co.uk