Students from FXU and across the south west have taken part in a Town Takeover of Falmouth to protest against any increase in tuition fees. Students marched from the Tremough campus to The Moor in Falmouth waving placards.
Politicians representing the main political parties were yesterday given five-minute slots to each state their party's stance on tuition fees. The Penryn mayor Mary May was present, along with MP Julia Goldsworthy and a number of prospective parliamentary candidates.
The students then marched through the main street of the town.
The events was organised by FXU and Ian Pogonowski, President of the union told journalists, "If we don't try to raise awareness about the possible tuition fee increases then the whole issue could slip through Parliament without some students noticing.
"The idea is to give the politicians representing our area the chance to tell us their views on tuition fees, and to give students and others the opportunity to make their views heard.
"Those in school and college now will be affected most by any fees increase, and it is only right that university students use their influence to help inform the community. The demonstration is a first for us and we can't stress enough that the demonstration is friendly, but ultimately about raising awareness."
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Ian gave us his assessment of the Town Takeover:
“Falmouth Town Takeover was a great success for students at Tremough, Cornwall, and the local community. 150 students showed their support, and FXU feels this a great turnout considering our University population of 4000. The event raised massive awareness to the wider student body and community.
“FXU feels this is vital as it will be the community who will be affected by the rise of the tuition fee cap. Mary May, Penryn Mayor voiced her support for the student protest, and FXU would like to thank the politicians representing Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative and Green party for speaking. Usman Ali, NUS NEC member, was a great help also, his grilling of candidates was loved by the students! Come Clean on Fees - Labour and Conservative hinted at NO, Lib Dem and Green affirmed a YES.”