The removal of the Stephenson bar, music room, JCR, TV room and computer room is being blamed by students as the reason for the damage taking place.

In just 10 weeks, the south-wing has had 12 damaged doors, nine tampered fire extinguishers, six cracked ceiling tiles, two missing fire signs, one broken toaster and a missing kettle.
All 149 residents of block will pay for the damage as the individuals responsible have not come forward.

Students say this is unfair and are blaming the damages as a result of the University centralising all facilities at The Edge.
James May, a Stephenson resident, said:

"Minor damage takes place because students sit and drink in the corridor because of the lack of communal areas in Stephenson."

Eriko Fujii, another Stephenson resident, added: "The fine is unfair as most of us are innocent - it is a big and serious problem. With the introduction of the Edge, Stephenson hall has lost its own dining hall, bar and even common rooms.

"Although the Edge offers alternatives, there isn't a sense of community. All cost incurred with the damages are divided between all residents in the name of the community - how ironic."

Students are also outraged at the "ridiculous" fines being imposed in order to cover damage costs.

Robyn Henderson said: "We're being charged for a missing kettle we didn't have in the first place and £50 for replacing a fire extinguisher tag."

Chris Platt added: "We're going to be charged for breaking door locks but the locking system hasn't been repaired and has never worked. Anyone off the street could walk in."

Accommodation and Campus Services (ACS) say this level of damage is not uncommon and regret that all the students will have to pay the damage costs.

Jacqui Cameron, Head of Conference Sales and Marketing of ACS, said: "Damage to our residential property by residents is a common problem every year.

"Where there is damage, unless the individuals responsible own up, unfortunately all residents in the affected area will have to equally pay for the damage.

"This process for damage liability is included in the residential contract."

But the students, who pay between £3,295 and £4,926 for their accommodation at Stephenson feel they are being ripped off as all their facilities are at the Endcliffe site.

Robyn Henderson said: "I regret coming to Stephenson and getting the catered package. The Edge has no character, it is sterile. The only thing that unites us is that we're all p****d off."

The residents of Stephenson want to see more communal areas opened up for them and acknowledge that it shouldn't cost the University anymore money. Chris Platt said:

"We all want common rooms so we can have a sense if community and get to know our neighbours. It wouldn't take drastic action to resolve the problems."

Although students have criticised the ACS over a number of issues this year, Jacqui Cameron maintains they are always prepared to listen to concerns and told Sheffield Steel Press that some of the old facilities could be opened up this semester.

She said: "It has been agreed that the TV room, library and music room will be open for residents, at the latest, by the start of the next term.

"We are in the process of recruiting staff so the timing of the opening of these facilities is dependent upon that."

She added:

"We feel the level of damage in Stevenson south-wing is unlikely to be related to communal facilities as this is not repeated in Jonas Court, Stephenson A-G, Carrisbrook Court and Halifax where the situation regarding communal facilities is the same.


This article was contributed by the Steel Press. For more stories by the University of Sheffield paper visit: http://shefsteel.com/