STUDENTS at York St John College have hit on a clever way to cut down on noise complaints from their summer ball - by inviting nearby residents to join the party.

Some people living near the college, in The Groves area, have regularly complained about late-night noise and nuisance caused by drunken students.

Students have blamed an irresponsible minority for the problem, and worked hard to cut it out, including launching the Silent Students, Happy Homes (SSHH) campaign.

The big test for the campaign will come in a week, when students will party until 4am at the end-of-year bash.

With time added on for the students to walk home and then various "after parties" at student houses, the noise could go on all night. So, to get round the problem, hundreds of households in the college community have received invites to the ball.

Organisers have also arranged for environmental health officers to visit the site before and during the ball to monitor noise, and a mobile sound patrol will be contactable throughout the event.

Nathalie Thomas, Students' Union vice-president, said the response to the invitations had been very positive.

She said: "We are proud of the work we have done over the last 12 months with the SSHH campaign. We want to continue that work, so we issued the invitations, offering people an insight into student end-of-year celebrations.

"We hope the invitations will go towards building even better local relations."

St John Street resident Alec Richard, who has campaigned against student noise, welcomed the arrangements.

He said progress had been made in the 12 months since an informal neighbourhood association was set up to look at noise problems.

He said: "We are well-prepared for the ball and have the chance to make alternative arrangements. The college always organises the event very well and we have never really had a problem with it.

"The residents will appreciate the spirit of the invitation, though I won't be taking it up. We wish the students well."

Updated: 10:29 Friday, June 06, 2003