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Students at the University of London have overwhelmingly rejected plans to scrap the current structure of their students' union.

In a referendum called after the university unveiled plans to replace the union with a management-run service centre this summer, thousands voted for the University of London Union (ULU) to continue to be run by students.

Of the estimated 5,000 votes cast, 86 per cent of people said they wish the union's activities, building, campaigns to continue to be run as it is currently.

The results are published just days before a planned mass demonstration of students against the planned changes, which the university insists will go ahead at the end of July.

The protest, on Friday, is the latest in a series to be held in opposition to changes to the university's structure, among other grievances.

In December an occupation of the Senate House building descended into violence, with students claiming they were punched and dragged to the ground by their hair by police.

Students say the results of the ballot "sharply contradict" assertions by the university's management team that the planned changes carry widespread support.

President of ULU Michael Chessum added: "The referendum proved what we already knew; that the proposals to abolish ULU have no legitimacy and that management are running out of credibility.

"The fight to keep the ULU building in student hands isn’t just about ensuring the continuation of vital campaigns and services, it’s also about what kind of education system we want to see."

Under the plans, the university says "representative functions" for students will bet met by individual colleges, as opposed to the umbrella organisation of ULU.

Shelly Asquith, chair of the London branch of the National Union of Students, said: "It is clear that students are rejecting the University's proposals, and the University of London must respect that."

But a spokesman for the university told the Standard the changes would be going ahead as planned.

"Nothing changes from our point of view," he said. "Only 3.7 per cent of those eligible to vote voted, so it's a tiny minority. We are continuing to aim to set up the new University of London Union in August."