CAN a city have too much in the way of student accommodation?

Certainly residents living near to the Highfield House Hotel in Southampton believe so.

Owners Galliard Homes have announced that they wish to refurbish and extend the building to create plush accommodation for students.

Enough is enough, say some local residents, who claim that there are already sufficient students living in the area.

It is easy to understand their angst and concerns. Young people can be noisy and create disturbances.

Yet the 40,000 students who live and work in the city bring much wealth with them.

Apart from the funds paid for accommodation, students pump millions into the local economy and also work in a variety of ways to earn money for themselves.

In short, students are not a burden on the community but an asset, and the city would be wise to encourage them.

Yet concerns over the changes to c ommunities caused when too many students live in one area are valid.

A sensible balance then is called for.

But the student economy should be welcomed.