STUDENTS and their supporters stepped up their campaign against education cuts with another march through York city centre.

The 200-plus demonstrators yesterday targeted their anger against York St John University vice chancellor Prof David Fleming as well as Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and Conservative leader David Cameron, after the York academic supported the Government’s plans to raise tuition fees to up to £9,000.

The march was heavily policed by dozens of officers.

City councillors could also find themselves at the centre of protests on Thursday when the protesters, who include sixth-formers, lecturers and trade unionists, hold their next demonstration. One marcher, 17-year-old Tom Spray, revealed yesterday that the proposed abolition of education maintenance allowance (EMA) could mean him dropping out of his chemistry, maths, physics and computer A-level courses at York College for financial reasons. “It is going to be very difficult to continue my education,” he said. “I really want to go to university, but it is going to be a big debt. No one should have that amount of debt before they even start work.”

Prof Fleming said in an interview reported in The Press last week that young people should not let the prospect of increased tuition fees put them off going to university because it would transform their lives.

He also said there was “no risk”, because students only start paying back their loans when their salaries reach a certain level.

The next protest will begin at 4pm on Thursday, the day when MPs vote on tuition fees. Protesters have yet to disclose detailed plans, but they are considering targeting the Guildhall where a full council meets the same day to debate Liberal Democrat and Labour motions on tuition fees. They have also vowed to continue their campaign after Thursday. A student sit-in at University of York continues.

Yesterday, shoppers spasmodically applauded the marchers who carried banners attacking the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister as they walked up Ousegate.

The protest had begun in King’s Square and took them along Lord Mayor’s Walk past York St John University, Gillygate, over Lendal Bridge and along the river to Ouse Bridge and back to King’s Square.

They chanted “No ifs, no buts, no education cuts,” and “Nick Clegg, shame on you, shame for turning blue” among other chants.