It's a good thing those people whose names appear on the cenotaph memorial couldn't see how at least one person abused that site recently by using it as an impromptu toilet.

Readers comments showed the strength of feeling amongst residents of the city which I share. Let's not make pariahs of all students though. I bet the majority of them abhor drunken stupidity and criminality in the same way most of us do.

It's obvious that entering student life, maybe away from home for the first time, old enough to drink legally in pubs and clubs and with a new grant in the bank means some students make mistakes.

I don’t excuse that but I can understand it. I also wouldn't excuse any organisation which provided an opportunity for students to take more risks than is sensible, that includes pubs and clubs that might do so.

I think an arranged introduction to the City so that students are escorted around venues is a good idea.

But the way that is organised must not give an impression to those students that it’s just a safer way to drink to excess in the knowledge or hope that someone on behalf of the promoter of the event will pick up the pieces of your drunken antics and make sure at the end you are not at too much risk.

I've met with the promoter of the Southampton based events and I was pleased to hear about the plans to reduce the chance of future problems.

I remain to be reassured by the reality of the next student 'Carnage' event. For me the name says it all. How we treat our city centre goes well beyond reducing student antics though.

Welcoming new developments

Guildhall Square is really coming together now. I think it's a great new space and it is the next section in the whole development plan down through the city centre. I hope the new spaces will attract new people and new uses. The environment does have an impact on how people behave but we can't rely on that.

The City's new police station is also nearing completion and this week, with the contractors Kier and Business Southampton, we hosted a visit for business champions in the City.

They were all impressed with the new building and I think we shared some pride in this addition to the Southampton skyline.

I asked them to go further though and show their commitment to a safer city by working with their local police to build new relationships. One particular way to do that is for them to encourage volunteering amongst their staff.

That could be as a special constable in uniform or working behind the scenes with us as a volunteer. If that interests you or you think your company could do more then have a look on our website for more info.

The City is about it’s people, all of us, including those who sometimes make mistakes on a night out.