The University of Kent in Canterbury has launched legal action to evict students who have been occupying the Senate building as part of the national protest over cuts in grants.

They have been in the building since December 8 and recently indicated to university authorities that they had not intention of leaving.

Discussions with them in a bid to end the occupation have ended in dead lock and has now resulted in the university solicitors serving a possession order.

University spokesman Martin Herrema said the Senate was scheduled for essential maintenance work before the start of the new term and would be needed for meetings.

He added that with immediate effect, staff and students will no longer be able to enter or re-enter the building until further notice.