POLICE have set up a safe walk route with signs around Huddersfield town centre to guide new students at the university.

The Safer Walk Route has signs to help guide students easily around the town.

It takes in the student accommodation on King’s Mill Lane at Aspley, Firth Street, Colne Road, Chapel Hill, Queensgate and a small part of Wakefield Road.

Neighbourhood Policing Team officers have been distributing credit card-sized maps detailing the Safer Walk Route.

The university’s director of student services, the Rev Paul Wilcock, said: “This year we will welcome students from all over the world as they begin an exciting new experience at the university.

“We recognise that a new person in a new town can sometimes face challenges. The Safer Walk Route allows students to become familiar with the area and quickly find their way around.

“The route is well signed, well lit and well policed. It will not only help our students but also make an effective contribution to the local community.’’

West Yorkshire Police have joined forces with the university and Kirklees Council to welcome students to Huddersfield.

A range of activities during the coming weeks will help students to settle in and provide them with crime prevention advice.

Officers will also be going to Fresher’s Week to distribute crime prevention leaflets and special bottle tops to stop drinks being spiked.

Students will be able to log in to the latest crime prevention tips on the force’s website – www.westyorkshire.police.uk – where there is also access to 999TV, featuring a short film on crime prevention advice.

There is also the chance to enter a prize draw to win £200 shopping vouchers, plus a special category for students to send in their best 20- second video clip via a mobile phone of a safety tip for use on the website.

The student site contains advice on property marking, how to look after mobile phones and other expensive electronic equipment and simple tips on personal safety.

It also gives a guide as to who to contact for more help or advice on crime prevention.

Chief Insp Jon Carter, who is responsible for the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Kirklees, said: “Huddersfield is a vibrant, safe and interesting town centre and we hope that students make the most of it.

“We are here to support the students and to raise awareness of ways they can keep themselves and their property safe.”

Prof Bob Cryan, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “The university is a growing and vibrant institution and plays an important part in the life and economy of Huddersfield.

“This scheme is another excellent example of a collaborative partnership supporting the community.

“The Safer Walk Route scheme emphasises our joint commitment to enhancing our town and our community.’’

A woman in her 40s was sexually attacked on one of the roads on the route.

She was walking along King’s Mill Lane at 12.30am on Sunday when a man grabbed her.

He dragged into woods and sexually assaulted her.

The woman screamed for help and the man fled when passers-by heard her.