Bermudians are ready to welcome the return of spring break and are pleased its more rowdy elements will be weeded out.

Upon hearing the Ministry of Tourism was keen on the idea, people approached in Hamilton late last week were receptive to the return of the road rash and suntan lotion covered university students.

Former Hotel worker Shaun Tucker said it would be good for the economy "because they came in packs''.

He added: "It depends though on where they are coming from. They used to tear the hotel rooms up and ride bikes in the lobby.'' Mr. Tucker said he was pleased Government wanted to give alternatives to sun and sand.

He added: "It will give them some different experiences. It is a good thing they want to improve it. Let's see if they will be like the UBP and make promises.'' Philip Talbot said he would "love'' to see a return of college weeks but would prefer the more settled vacationeer.

William Darrell, who said that during the 1970's he was a college student himself, said he thought it was a good idea.

Mr. Darrell said: "It was a chance to meet and mingle. It was good to introduce them to the Island. And a good way to get repeat guests.'' Concerns about disruptive behaviour and vandalism did not faze Mr. Darrell, however.

"They were chaperoned. That's why it died out because they got rid of the chaperones. Young people will party though.'' Anne Pedro said anything would be better because she had forgotten about college weeks.

"Yes offer them credit,'' she said. "It will intice a different type of student than the beer chugging type. There is nothing wrong with that but Bermuda is a different type of place.'' Melvin Dillas said he remembered college weeks as being thought of as the start of the tourist season.

"You could find them everywhere,'' he said. "They gave them reduced rates, there were so many everyone still made money. The industry looked forward to having them.'' Mr. Dillas added: "A few even had to borrow money for the departure tax. It was a good investment for Bermuda. I think even one of the Kennedy children won a beauty contest.'' Policeman George Babb said he remembered the days when college students roamed throughout the Island, and said their return would be good for the economy.

"The college kids brought a bit of money, but when they came back as working people they brought more than enough to make up,'' Sgt. Babb said. "College Weeks was what was needed to generate money in the slow season.'' Hotel worker Althea Hatherly said: "Yes it would be a good thing. Some were a bit rowdy. But if they have chaperones it will be good.'' And she agreed providing more sports and cultural activities would attract better behaved students, adding: "They shouldn't just be partying.'' Taxi driver Vincent Swan said his industry would see positive results but wanted some deal to support hotels as students might not want to stay there.

A woman, who asked not to be named, said it was "quite a good idea'' to revamp college weeks.

She added: "Not the ones who just come to party. A party in the 50's, 60's, and even the 70's is different from now. It was a different kind of party.'' "I don't know though, they don't have any money,'' she said.

Kevin Ingham said he was a musician and played for groups of college kids and would like to see their return.

He added: "Of course Bermuda was always a conservative place. But entertainment is definitely needed. College weeks blew the tumbleweeds off of Front Street.'' TOURISM TOU