University officials have closed the historic Combination Rooms for the duration of this term in an attempt to prevent further occupation.

Students staged an 11-day sit-in in the chamber of the Old Schools Building at the end of Michaelmas Term in protest against education cuts and rising tuition fees, and the University fears the repeat of such a disruption.

The occupation ended voluntarily on December 6th, raising confusion as to why it is only now that the University has elected to take action to prevent re-occupation. A university spokesman said the decision has been made in light of “credible information about possible further action.”

The University’s decision has enraged activists. In a statement to Varsity, Cambridge Defend Education condemned the closure as “petty and misguided…unnecessary and spiteful.”

Although the group has not advertised plans to re-occupy the Old Combination Rooms, their statement hints at the possibility of similar action:

“As long as Cambridge University does not join the fightback against the cuts, it opens itself up to be a target of protest by students who do not want to see access to Cambridge restricted to the wealthy.”

“It’s no wonder that politicians, corporations and banks are dreading being the targets of a social movement rejecting ideological public sector cuts.”

Despite a judge’s ruling that the Michaelmas occupation was indeed illegal, the university had said it would not take legal action against the students.

Meanwhile, arguments have become more heated in light of Chairman of Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA), Callum Wood’s comments to local press. He declared that the “irresponsible” occupants have inconvenienced the rest of the student community and should “learn to deal with the consequences of their actions”

The protest particularly affected Gonville & Caius students whose college library sits above the Combination Room.

“Any future protest would be extremely unhelpful and utterly pointless. The result would simply be more inconvenience for Caius students and the protesters know this,” John Messent, Caius student and CUCA commented to Varsity.

Activist activity has indeed increased since the start of term – Cambridge students will be joining a protest in London this weekend and a joint meeting of academics and students on the issue of cuts has been planned for February 3rd.

The University Combination Room is usually open every weekday, providing facilities for members of the University as well as serving refreshments. It is considered particularly vulnerable given that it was built in 1347 and displays historic University artifacts.

The room was a significant choice for the occupational protest given its historic use as the Regent House – the University’s parliament in which academics have a final say on policy issues.