CITY councillors plan to signal their opposition to the Government's controversial university tuition fees.
Durham City Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group fears Tony Blair's plans for charges of up to £3,000 will deter youngsters from taking places at the best universities while the cost will put off others from taking a degree.
On Tuesday, the full council will discuss a motion by councillors Paul Leake and Carol Woods condemning the move.
Councillor Leake said: "Top-up fees will deter young people from studying at the best universities. They can deter many from going to university at all.
"They will make it more expensive to study courses like science and engineering at a time when the North-East economy needs scientists and engineers more than ever."
Councillor Woods, the Liberal Democrats' parliamentary candidate, said: "No student should be kept out of education because they cannot afford it."
The motion will also express the council's support for Durham Students' Union campaign against the fees and urge city Labour MP Gerry Steinberg "to maintain his opposition to their introduction".
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