by Cem Turhan
The removal of the “steps to nowhere” in Langwith has caused yet another unexpected blow to college spirit, and uproar amongst college residents.
The steps, which went up to the now removed bridge that connected Langwith to Alcuin, had fallen down three years ago and had been cornered off but have finally been removed in the past few days. Residents of Langwith D-Block, which connected to the bridge were notified with an email during the first few days of work. However college officials failed to take notice the importance of the steps to Langwith students.
One student said, “I feel sad. We used to all sit on the steps and just relax. It was quite private and I could reflect there when I wanted some peace. We called it our secret spot.”
With the ban of college punch and the planned move to Heslington East in 2012, college spirit is suffering. “Everything that makes Langwith what it is keeps getting moved or removed, even these buildings [accommodation blocks] will be knocked down in two years’ time.”
Provost John Isset said in response: “There used to be a bridge there but now there’s not, so they were steps to nowhere. They represented a health hazard and were degrading and falling apart.” Langwith Chair Conor Wilcock backs Isset, saying: “They don’t go anywhere. If people want somewhere quiet to go they can go to the quiet room, where there’s a big TV and Wii.”
A statement from the University echoes that of the college, while adding that the steps will be replaced with a grassed embankment to provide a pleasant space. “Any cherry trees damaged during the work will bereplaced.”
However for some students this isn’t enough. “The corner room is too cliquey, with mostly JCR people in it. We want somewhere outdoors to relax.
They should have put a bench on the top of the hill – it could have been a great chill out place.” Langwith Welfare Rep Sarah Frew said in response “There are benches outside of B-Block if you want to sit outside when it gets summery.”