As a grandmother with a grandchild just starting secondary school, I applaud the actions of the school and university students who are coming out on to the streets to protest at what will be the most devastating changes to their life prospects for 60 years.

So what if a few get on to the roof of a building? So what if rooms are occupied for a while?

These are young people facing debts of tens of thousands as tuition fees are tripled and the Education Maintenance Allowance and the Aim Higher Programmes are scrapped.

With youth unemployment increasing fourfold since the recession began, their worries about a bleak future are entirely understandable and it would be a massive surprise if they did nothing about it.

Councillor Mitchell, by his comments, shows a complete disregard and contempt of the reality for these kids. His remarks are a calculated insult to the people who elect him and he should be ashamed.

Carol Stavris, Loyd Road, Didcot