The campaign to stop a proposed cut to students' transport subsidy gathered pace today as more than 500 put their names to a petition against the move.

The campaign to stop a proposed cut to students' transport subsidy gathered pace today as more than 500 put their names to a petition against the move.

Students from City College Norwich, Yarmouth College and East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston teamed up to target Yarmouth's market place all day.

About 500 people signed the petition calling on Norfolk County Council to think again over plans to scrap cheap bus travel for the over-16s as it bids to cut £22m from its budget after what it sees as a poor financial settlement from the Government.

Amy Fisher, Yarmouth College students' union treasurer, said: “It's really important for us to get as many signatures as we can so that the council know not to make students pay.

“People come on my fashion course from as far away as Cromer - it could cost them £1500 a year to travel to the college without the subsidies and many of my friends have said they'll have to drop out and go on the dole.

“And that will cost the taxpayer even more money so this is really a false economy,” added the 19-year-old, from Belton.

Fellow fashion student Katie Park, 17, added: “If lots of people drop out of our course, they'll have to shut it down and then we'll all suffer. Everyone I know is up-in-arms about this.”

And East Norfolk students' union president Tom Fooks-Bale said: “There's been a lot of support today, almost everyone we've spoken to thinks this decision is ludicrous.

“Everybody knows someone who's been in, is in, or will go into higher education - and they're all very pleased to sign this petition,” added the 19-year-old A-level student.

The students will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss further tactics, and preparations are already well under way to march on County Hall on January 30, when the council will make a decision.