Student concern over college plans

Students are concerned about proposed rent increases

Students angry over "privatisation plans" at a Cambridge University college are looking at taking "direct action".

Students at King's College fear the college, which has a budget deficit of more than £1m, is considering allowing students from an American university to buy courses at the college.

They are also concerned about proposed rent increases.

On Saturday, Ben Brinded, president of the Cambridge University Students' Union, said King's students felt that the college was not taking account of their concerns.

Mr Brinded said the students would vote on whether to take "direct action" on Wednesday.

If students were in favour a meeting would be held on Thursday to decide what form that action should take.

One possibility was that students could refuse to hand over Autumn term rent cheques - a move that would deprive the college of tens of thousands of pounds, he said.