Huddersfield needs students to keep its place on the map.

That was the view of graduate Will Hewitt, expressed yesterday in an Examiner story about how our town's vibrant student population make it a better place to be.

Will, of Fartown, remained in Huddersfield after his studies — and said he was 'fed up of seeing people complaining about students'.

Last night Examiner readers and Facebook fans responded to his comments.

Here's what you said:

On Facebook:

Gary Quarmby: "Tell him it feels like the locals who live here have been forgotten about. Every new development seems to be aimed at them (students), it really wouldn't surprise me if the George Hotel ends up being student flats. [It] would be nice to see as much vigour and effort going into social housing from the council."

Karl Dransfield: "It would seem that Will has missed the point entirely. Existing student accommodation is undersubscribed whilst developers continue to build more flats. This will only add to the problem."

Andrew Martin-Wells: "I agree, the university is a big contributor to the economy of Huddersfield. I say keep on building a bigger/better university and ensuring they have enough student accommodation. If it wasn't for the university, Huddersfield would be a poor poor place to live."

Lauren Ellis : "It's not the fact we have plenty of students in the town. Because they do bring a lot. The frustrating thing is, that you can't look for a two bed house or a one bed flat that's decent and affordable without it being for students, it would be nice to have some accommodation that was affordable for other people than students!"

Artist's impression of Wortley Development Ltd & Jaguar Estates' bid for Queensgate student flats and shops on Huddersfield ring road
Artist's impression of Wortley Development Ltd & Jaguar Estates' bid for Queensgate student flats and shops on Huddersfield ring road

Here are the results of an Examiner poll asking readers if they agreed with Will:

Do you agree with Will?

Examiner poll

On the Examiner website:

Rds92: " I do agree with Will but as a young professional who is unable to buy it is difficult to find decent rented property within a two mile radius of Huddersfield town centre without it being student let."

Darren Sandwell: "Investment? Where are the benefits of the investment? More housing for people who need it apart from students? Only showing for the investment the University gives is more student bars, flats, and available student jobs. There are no jobs in Huddersfield that are for the normal person.[The] majority of companies are catering for graduates or part time work which is designed for students. Any other job you got to look out of town to get employment."

Christopher Pearson: "I live near Newsome Road and I don't see student property being a problem. All you need to do is look at how well our neighbour Leeds is doing for it. I lived there for 10 years. I also remember when nights out in Huddersfield were a guaranteed fight spectatorship - Not so much now. Students bring innovation, culture and prosperity to areas and not all of us born here resent that."

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