The article discusses the closure of the Southend University campus, which has left many students facing significant financial and logistical challenges. The university had been struggling financially, but it was not expected to close so suddenly.
The MP for Southend East, David Alaba, feels that the decision was made without sufficient consultation or warning, and it is having a devastating impact on the local community. He notes that the university is worth more than £100m a year to the local economy, and its closure will have significant consequences for small businesses and residents.
The Vice-Chancellor of Essex University, Frances Bowen, has explained that the decision was made after reviewing all reasonable alternatives, but it was still a difficult decision to make. However, some students are not accepting the news, including Radek Hanus, who is registered disabled due to his Crohn's disease and cannot afford to commute to Colchester campus.
The owner of a nearby business describes the closure as "catastrophic" and part of a wider decline of many coastal places that is affecting young people. The article highlights the impact of university closures on local communities, particularly in areas where there are limited job opportunities and high levels of deprivation.
The Against the tide series is a collaboration between the Guardian and documentary photographer Polly Braden, which reports on the lives of young people in coastal communities across England and Wales.
The MP for Southend East, David Alaba, feels that the decision was made without sufficient consultation or warning, and it is having a devastating impact on the local community. He notes that the university is worth more than £100m a year to the local economy, and its closure will have significant consequences for small businesses and residents.
The Vice-Chancellor of Essex University, Frances Bowen, has explained that the decision was made after reviewing all reasonable alternatives, but it was still a difficult decision to make. However, some students are not accepting the news, including Radek Hanus, who is registered disabled due to his Crohn's disease and cannot afford to commute to Colchester campus.
The owner of a nearby business describes the closure as "catastrophic" and part of a wider decline of many coastal places that is affecting young people. The article highlights the impact of university closures on local communities, particularly in areas where there are limited job opportunities and high levels of deprivation.
The Against the tide series is a collaboration between the Guardian and documentary photographer Polly Braden, which reports on the lives of young people in coastal communities across England and Wales.
£100m a year to the local economy? that's like, a lot of dough 
and now it's just gonna be lost in thin air? meanwhile, these students are stuck with no school and no future... and what's the university gonna do about Radek Hanus' disability issues? 
it's all just so frustrating 
I was thinking of applying to Southend Uni like last year but then they dropped their tuition fees 
I feel bad for Radek Hanus, his condition sounds so tough and he can't afford Colchester campus 
this closure is gonna have huge ripples on the whole community 
. can't even get a decent job in these coastal towns anyway, so what's the point? 
the gov needs to sort out some solutions for all this, not just big businesses and uni profs 
u think its fair to close a campus like thats without giving students a heads up? £100m a year is a lot of money, but its not just about the uni itself, its about the ppl affected by it too...i feel 4 radek hanus, cant afford 2 commute 2 colchester, whats he supposed 2 do now? 
. I've seen Radek Hanus on social media and he just can't believe it - his Crohn's disease already makes life tough enough, commuting to Colchester sounds like a nightmare 
. And poor small businesses around the area... their livelihoods are literally being washed away 
. We need some serious support for these coastal communities, ASAP! 
. Anyone know what's next for Radek? 
I get that the uni was struggling financially, but did they have to be so dramatic about it?