How we use
cookies

A cookie is a small text file a website leaves on your device when you visit it. We also use similar technologies such as browser localStorage, which stores small pieces of information on your device in much the same way. This page explains, in plain English, what this website stores on your device, why, and how you can control it.

This website is operated by WEST END STUDENT PROPERTIES LIMITED (trading as WESP Student Properties). We use three categories: essential, functional, and analytics and advertising. Only the essential category is set without asking you first; everything else waits for your consent through the cookie banner.

These are required for the site to work and cannot be switched off. They do not track you across other websites.

• Account sign-in (NextAuth): if you create an account or sign in (for example to save favourite houses or searches), session and CSRF cookies keep you securely logged in and protect forms against cross-site request forgery. They are deleted or expire when your session ends.
• Spam protection (Google reCAPTCHA v3): our enquiry and application forms use Google reCAPTCHA to tell humans apart from automated bots. Google may set cookies and collect device information for this purpose; its use is governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
• Cookie consent record: once you make a choice in our cookie banner, your decision is saved (in localStorage) so we do not ask you again on every visit.

These remember choices you make so the site behaves the way you left it. They are optional and the site still works without them.

• Theme preference: your light or dark mode choice is kept in localStorage on your device so the site loads in your preferred appearance next time.
• Search and display preferences: where offered, settings such as your last property search filters may be remembered to save you re-entering them.

With your consent, we load the following Google services using Google's own tag (gtag.js). Google Analytics loads only if you accept analytics cookies, and Google Ads only if you accept marketing cookies. Neither loads until you make a choice in the banner.

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4): tells us, in aggregate, how visitors use the site: which pages are popular, how people arrive, and where they get stuck. We use this to improve the site. IP anonymisation is enabled.
• Google Ads conversion tracking: when we run adverts for our houses, these cookies tell us whether an advert led to an enquiry, so we can measure whether our advertising is working. They may also be used by Google to show you more relevant adverts. When you send us an enquiry, your email address and phone number are scrambled (hashed) in your browser before they are passed to Google, so that it can match the enquiry to an advert you clicked.

Google sets and reads these cookies; details of the data collected are in the Google cookies policy. You can also opt out of Google Analytics across all websites using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Umami (visit counting without cookies): we also count page visits with Umami, which runs on our web designer's own server (analytics.pwdp.co.uk). It sets no cookies, stores nothing on your device and does not identify you or follow you to other websites; it records which pages are viewed, the referring site and the broad device type, so it runs whatever you choose in the banner. If you would rather it did not, a browser "do not track" setting or a content blocker will stop it, or ask us and we will explain how.

You are in control. You can change your mind at any time:

• Our cookie banner: use the cookie preferences link in the site footer (or the banner on your first visit) to accept, reject, or fine-tune each optional category. If you reject a category, we clear the cookies it set.
• Your browser settings: every modern browser lets you view, block, and delete cookies, and clear localStorage. See your browser’s help pages, or visit aboutcookies.org for step-by-step guides.

Blocking essential cookies may stop parts of the site working, for example signing in to your account or submitting an application form.

For more about how we handle personal data generally, please see our Privacy Policy and Personal Data Fair Processing Notice. If you have any questions about this cookies policy, contact us at:

WEST END STUDENT PROPERTIES LIMITED (trading as WESP Student Properties)
12 Newland, Lincoln LN1 1XD
Email: office@wesplincoln.co.uk
Telephone: 01522 589970

We are registered with the Information Commission (formerly the Information Commissioner’s Office), registration number ZA516163. If you are unhappy with how we use cookies or your data, you can complain to the Information Commission at ico.org.uk.