Pembrokeshire students mustn't suffer with the introduction of top up fees for higher education, says local AM and Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies.

At the moment students from the county who study in Wales receive a grant of £1,940 towards their fees regardless of their background. But the Welsh Assembly Government has decided to scrap the grants from September next year.

"We now need assurances that this will not act as a barrier to local students fulfilling their potential," said Mr Davies.

"The Higher Education sector plays an important role in the economic and cultural development of Wales and must also be allowed to prosper."

It's feared that Welsh students could be hit by a double whammy as Universities are pressing for a large hike in tuition fees. A survey last week revealed that most Chancellors wanted fees to be increased from £3,000 to £5,000 or more per student.

Mr Davies continued: "For far too long the Assembly Government has failed to properly fund the HE sector, allowing a significant funding gap to grow between Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom.

"We are concerned that unless addressed urgently money could become a barrier to learning in Wales.

"Questions also remain about expanding access to part-time learning and whether enough money is being set aside for the student debt right-off scheme.

"The Assembly Government needs to put higher education in Wales on a firm financial footing to sustain the highest quality learning environment for students."