A graduate of the University of Huddersfield has hit back at negative responses to more student housing in the town.

Will Hewitt insisted the town needs students to keep its place on the map.

The debate over Huddersfield’s growing status as a student town was widened by Will’s claims, after he argued that students also bring life and investment into the town.

Will, 23, who studied music journalism at the university and now lives in Fartown, said: “I’m fed up of seeing people complaining about students.

“They provide a lot for Huddersfield and the town would be a very dull and different place without the university.”

Will, who now works at a publishing house, was angered after seeing comments on an Examiner story on Facebook about proposals for more student flats in the town centre.

He said: “I understand that some locals feel like a lot is being spent on the student population but without it Huddersfield could be in danger of being forgotten about.

“There are places like Halifax, Dewsbury and Wakefield that don’t have students but don’t have the vibrancy and amenities Huddersfield has.

“I think people are put off by pictures of drunken students on nights out.

“But the town will never be as big a nightlife hub as nearby student cities like Leeds and Sheffield. It’s too small.

Steelwork goes up for new student flats next to Kirklees College, Huddersfield.

“Students come to Huddersfield because they are attracted by what it has to offer.

“But as long as they come here there will be things to do for people in the town, such as the new leisure centre, restaurants, nightlife and the Huddersfield Carnival.

“Students like me also stay on to work and pay their taxes and give back to the town.”

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Will has remained in Huddersfield since graduating in 2013.

The town’s student population has boomed over the past five years from 20,000 to 30,000.

The University of Huddersfield generates an estimated £300 million to the local economy and has a turnover of more than £130 million.

The university has also led pioneering research.