MORE than half of people living in university towns and cities fear the return of students will lead to coronavirus spikes, according to a new survey published today.

Government scientific advisers have admitted that it was “highly likely” there will be significant coronavirus outbreaks linked to universities as students start returning this week.

The Survation poll, carried out for the University & College Union (UCU), found that 57 per cent of people fear local restrictions will result.

Half of respondents believe universities should cancel all face-to-face teaching.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said that online learning needed to be the default position and the government and universities must “stop selling the lie to students that they can have a full university experience in the current crisis.”

She said: “Vice-chancellors are in denial and creating hygiene theatre to pretend institutions are safe.

"It cannot be ‘business as normal’ at the moment and they need to stop pretending that is a credible option.

“People do not want to see local outbreaks on their doorstep.

“With the test-and-trace system in England at breaking point, it is no wonder that the public do not have confidence in the system or this government.

“Without a nationally co-ordinated comprehensive testing system in place, universities and colleges simply will not be able to cope with outbreaks or potential outbreaks.

“Our main objective is to help avert a preventable public health crisis.”

Ms Grady did not rule out balloting members for industrial action if they raise concerns about how their college or university is behaving.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Opening universities is a part of the Prime Minister’s cautious roadmap, and it is important that we continue to open education settings wherever it is safe to do so.”