WELL, now we know the worst – higher education as we know it, will probably cease in the Forest of Dean. Why? Because the decision has been made by the ill-informed powers-that-be that EMA (Educational Maintenance Awards) are not a viable proposition.

These awards, up to a maximum of £30 per week, are given to students from low income families in order that they can continue their education to A level standard. In the Forest we have two, or if you count Hartpury, three colleges that provide A level and all of these have to be reached by public transport.

Currently a weekly ticket in the Forest costs a student £15 a week, with, if they are on the maximum award, £15 left with which to buy their lunches, books for their courses and any other activities needed with their courses.

When the awards are withdrawn for students in England – yes, this only applies to students in England – as of January for new applicants and as of July for those students currently in receipt of these awards, what does the Government think is going to happen to those who are halfway through their A levels with at least another year of studies, and no way of financing their transport or necessities? By the Government's own words, these awards are made to families who are just keeping their heads above water and would not be able to help their children without cutting back on something.

When challenged, the Government spokesperson stated that students had been asked and they were in favour of the cuts! They did not say which students had been asked nor did they say that of the 650,000 students currently in receipt of the award only 20,000 were asked. Hardly a representative figure.

They have also pontificated about the hardship fund – this, as I understand it, is only a tenth of the amount currently awarded, and will only be available to students who were eligible for school meals. This will not in any way assist those families who were not eligible, because the family income was just over the income figure.

Students have been in the news recently in relation to the increased college and university fees, but the withdrawal of EMA will have a far more drastic effect on the educational prospects of future generations of Forest students. I have been given to understand that the Forest of Dean College is to undertake extra A level courses and expansion of other academic subjects. Before they head down this road, have they considered that the students that they anticipate will not be able to afford to get there, let alone eat or buy books?

When our MPs, including Mark Harper, who I was under the impression was voted in to look after the interests of his constituents, voted through the College and University Bill, did any of them for one moment consider that this insidious piece of legislation was attached to it, and what the long term effects would be? I doubt it.

By the time it is realised that the only students who can continue with further education come from the more affluent homes and that we do not have the people needed for the future of England, the damage will be done and there will be a long way back. I would like to hear Mr Harper's comments on what he sees as the long term way forward for Forest students.

– Judith Gazzard, Cinderford.