A group of students from New College gathered outside Swindon Civic Offices to protest against education cuts.
In comparison to demonstrations in London (pictured above) and around the country, this silent protest was less provocative, although did catch the attention of the police, and the council representatives took caution, deciding to hire a private security firm.
However, the burning banners and fire extinguishers that were thrown in London were replaced by home-made signs, winter coats and sausage rolls, as the students campaigned.
We were able to speak briefly to Richard Dean, a 17-year-old student at New College.
Richard is in his second year at college, looking to apply to university next year in the hope that by this time, the Government may have retracted its decision to raise university fees and the education cuts.
Richard told us of how he believes that the pre-election propaganda surrounding education fees was just that, and never came to fruition.
He also believes that the rise in university fees, which could be up to £9,000 a year, will lead to many more uneducated people, and for the individuals who do decide to go to university still, they will have to earn back the large amount of money that they have had to spend in a country where competition for jobs is very high.
Despite the apparent urgency of the protests, Richard strongly believes that the violence in the English capital does not justify the ideas and opinions they are trying to convey.
He said: “Violence isn’t the way forward – love is!”
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