FRESHERS looking for digs as they experience their first taste of university are drawing a short straw at the hands of greedy landlords.

After hearing reports of students getting raw deals when they tried to find lodgings, Citizen reporter David Higgerson set out to find out what the scholars were getting for their money.

To his amazement, 6ft 4ins tall David was offered a 'cosy' room which measured just 6ft by 7ft - giving him just enough room to stretch.

And this landlord wasn't alone. Homeowners are advertising scores of properties which locals wouldn't touch with a barge pole.

Landlords were more than happy to be lenient with the truth when reporter David told them he was a new student, who had only just left home for Preston.

A sample of the living quarters he was offered included:

ZA bedroom measuring six feet by seven feet - four inches shorter than himself. And all this for £35 a week - or £1 per sq ft per week. In true estate agent fashion, it was described as 'cosy'. The ideal room for a real FLAT mate?

ZA property which, according to the landlord, was in the nicest part of town. But when he arrived, David discovered it was in Avenham, the location of a dramatic gun siege just weeks ago.

ZA property described as 'within walking distance of the town centre'. But, as it was actually near Ashton Park - nearly three miles from the town centre, it would be better described as a hike.

Billy Lo, president of the students union says they aren't all that surprising.

He said: "There are plenty of good landlords but a few do let the rest down.

"We hear horror stories all the time, involving landlords and property - particularly those which don't fall under the UCLa's control.

"The majority of first year students stay in halls of residence and when they are ready to move out there is a register of all the area's suitable landlords.

"But students have to use their own knowledge and get to know the area. They are expected to know the good and bad areas and that Southport isn't a suburb of Preston!

"We employ a housing officer as does the university and we do all we can to make sure if there are problems we can help." A university spokesman added: "Many students move out in the second year with friends and we provide assistance helping them find somewhere suitable."

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