Student leaders in the university town have made a New Year resolution to name and shame them in 2008.

The first ever survey of privately-rented student accommodation in the town, organised by the St Andrews University Students' Association, has voted family business, Town & Gown Property Letting Services Ltd. as the 'Property Agent of the Year' for 2007.

This time around, the student support organisation held back from publishing the names of poor performers. However, in a statement issued over the Christmas period, the organisation has made it clear that — come the end of 2008 — negative results will be published along with those of the top performers.

Students who rented privately in the academic year 2006/7 were asked to respond to questions regarding management standards and whether they would recommend their property agent to other students. They were also asked about value for money and comparisons with university halls of residence. More than 300 responded.

Read more in this week's Citizen