Jesmond is one of Newcastle’s most iconic student areas, however it is no stranger to the tensions that arise from it’s dual identity as a bustling hub of student life, but also an area which houses many families and peaceful residents. With parties spilling into streets and noise complaints rising during term time, initiatives like Operation Oak have become essential tools in addressing anti-social behaviour (ASB).
A partnership between Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council, and the city’s two universities (Northumbria and Newcastle), Operation Oak funds additional police patrols in high density student areas, including Jesmond, Sandyford, Heaton and Ouseburn. Operating from 10pm to 4am, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, it responds to complaints about noise, crime and safety concerns.
While it’s designed to benefit both students and residents, Operation Oak has sparked debates over its implementation, particularly its focus on student heavy neighbourhoods. Residents often argue that it doesn’t go far enough in addressing persistent issues, while students feel it unfairly targets their social activities.
A Community Under Pressure
Jesmond’s mix of long-term residents and student population makes it a unique community, but it also creates challenges. Noise complaints are among the most common grievances, often due to frequent house parties and Wednesday ‘Sports Night.’
I had the chance to speak to local resident Laura Sen, a frontline NHS worker, who has lived in Jesmond for over 20 years. Laura has seen first hand the excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour created by students having worked in A&E, and called Operation Oak herself twice due to student parties as well as banned “initiation ceremonies”. Hear more from her below:
Similar frustrations are felt by other residents. With overflowing bins, littered streets and neglected gardens remaining a sore point for locals, highlighting the strain that excessive partying can have on the upkeep and community spirit of the neighbourhood.
Vish Ved, another resident and member of the Jesmond Community Group, emphasised to me how these problems extend beyond just noise. “It’s not just about the late night music and parties. The next day, all the streets are a mess. It feels like students don’t always think about how their actions affect those of us who live here all year round,” he explains.
For some residents the issues have escalated so far that they have left Jesmond. Simon Taylor, a self employed musician and previous resident of Jesmond, felt forced to leave the area in 2022 due to 6 students moving into the flat next to him and hosting “constant parties”. His experience reflects the ongoing struggle for those living in close proximity to student housing, highlighting how persistent ASB can push even long-term residents out of the community.
“Operation Oak are useless and hopeless… Jesmond doesn’t feel like a part of Newcastle anymore.” – Simon Taylor
The Student Perspective
For the thousands of students who call Jesmond home, Operation Oak represents a different challenge. Many students see it as a system that is designed to penalise their lifestyle and affects them disproportionately, others concur this saying that the police have a pre-set bias towards them just because they are students.
Speaking to third year Media students Lena Juhe and Rachael Tye, they described to me an occasion where the police arrived to their property to shut down a ‘party’ in which only 5/6 people were there, demonstrating that “even small gatherings can lead to complaints.”
Hear more from them below:
Students like Rachael and Lena point out the broader implications of Operation Oak’s actions. When reports are filed, the police notify Newcastle’s universities and property license holders. For some, this adds an extra layer of stress, knowing that their academic institutions and landlords could take further action.
“It affects the way they see you” – Lena Juhe
Balancing Safety and Fairness
The contrasting perspectives on Operation Oak show the difficulty of managing a diverse community. Residents rely on the initiative for a sense of security and a way to address recurring disruptions. Students, meanwhile feel disproportionately targeted and scrutinised.
At its core, Operation Oak is meant to strike a balance between these needs, but achieving that balance isn’t always straightforward. While it provides a framework for addressing ASB, critics argue that it doesn’t address the root causes of tension, such as a lack of communication and understanding between students and residents.
For example, as suggested by Laura Sen, landlords could play more a active role in promoting neighbourhood harmony. Similarly, clearer guidelines on acceptable behaviour and waste management might alleviate some of the friction.
Moving Forward
Operation Oak highlights the complexities of maintaining a peaceful community in Jesmond. While it provides a mechanism to address immediate issues, its success depends on the willingness of all parties, students, residents, universities and local authorities – to work together. However, for residents like Laura Sen, who now find themselves resorting to 999 calls rather than relying on Operation Oak, and for individuals like Simon Taylor, who faced continuous disruption, the current approach feels insufficient.
When asked to respond to this article, Newcastle City Council declined.
