'Save the UoR chemistry department, free Palestine, and f*** Thames Water' - graffiti on a vandalised bus stop near the University of Reading has prompted patrols from uni staff to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.
Residents turned to The Reading Chronicle after the bus stop in Christchurch Road had graffiti scrawled across it, with one resident saying similar anti-social behaviour occurs near the road 'every single week'.
Now the University of Reading has said that it will send Street Wardens - staff who monitor and advice students socialising late at night - to the road as part of 'enhanced' patrols.
A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said he discovered the graffiti after a group had been chanting a variety of political slogans near the bus stop the night before.
The resident, who has lived in the area for more than three years, said: "This bus stop has been targeted a few times.
"I have a two-year-old, and we have to walk past that bus stop. It's such an eye-sore to walk past - and we're really proud of our little neighbourhood."
"There's always smashed glass or empty beer cans and bottles - smashed glass is the biggest factor.
"Right on the corner there's a tyre garage where I saw people smashing bottles in the forecourt. I put my head out of the window and said, 'what are you doing, that's where people replace their tyres'."
Anti-social behaviour is 'unacceptable' and taken 'very seriously' by the university, according to community engagement manager Molli Cleaver.
The University of Reading staff member said: "We expect our students to be respectful members of the community, both on and off campus.
"Our Code of Good Practice makes it clear that vandalism and disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
"Students who break these rules can expect to face disciplinary action."
The university’s governing council will consider recommendations later this month for the 'future shape of Chemistry provision at Reading', according to a spokesperson from the academic institution.
Concerns about the future of the department have sparked an online petition, asking the university to abandon any plans to close the department.
In a statement on Change.org, the author of the petition said: "We, the undersigned, have concerns regarding the proposed closure of the Chemistry Department, and we deeply disagree with this change occurring.
"Many students, parents, and staff members disagree with this change, and we implore the university to rethink these propositions.
"We are deeply unhappy about the way staff have been treated surrounding this issue, such as not being informed of these proposed changes adequately in advance.
"We worry that this closure may lead to staff cuts, and may put the job security of many of our valued lecturers and staff members at risk."
Staff and students have been kept informed of the university's proposals, according to University of Reading spokesperson.
They said: "The recommendations are for a tighter focus of its research and teaching that will enable us best to support both research and educational excellence, and a strong student experience.
"A number of organisational changes have been recommended to support this shift."
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