Dozens of students from both city universities dressed in red to symbolise debt and staged a street party in the Peace Gardens on Monday, complete with music, speeches and street theatre.

The stunt was part of a two-day campaign to raise awareness of proposed fee increases – and the impact they are likely to have on Sheffield, its people and local businesses.

Sheffield NUS president Paul Tobin said: "Students make a valuable contribution to the local community in Sheffield, as well as bringing £120m into the local economy. This would be put in jeopardy if fees became even higher and students were priced out of the higher education market."

The street party was followed by a debate at the City Hall on Monday evening, featuring speakers including national NUS president Wes Streeting, prospective parliamentary candidates Paul Blomfield (Labour) and Spencer Pitfield (Conservative) and Liberal Democrat council leader Paul Scriven.

Wes Streeting said: "Students in Sheffield are taking a stand because the current system is failing many young people in this city and across the country."

The average student currently graduates with debts totalling £20,000 but plans to raise the cap on tuition fees would push that sum higher and preclude less affluent students from higher education, claims the students' union.

The NUS is calling for a system that would make university education free, with graduates then paying a 'tax' according to their earnings.

They were backed by Mr Blomfield, who said student funding should allow people to study on the basis of their ability to learn and not their ability to pay.

The awareness-raising campaign continued on Tuesday when students spoke to commuters at Sheffield Station and nearby Sheaf Square and to prospective university students at Hillsborough College.

Hallam NUS spokesman Sam Brown said: "This week's action has certainly been a success. It was really well received by the public.

"The main message we wanted to convey was that this is an issue for everyone in Sheffield; students contribute millions of pounds to the local economy."

The action was the part of a national campaign which will continue over coming months and particularly in the run-up to a general election.

BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.



MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters