A former Aberystwyth University student arrested for protesting about climate change in London is urging people in the seaside town to get behind the action.

Zack Polanski, 36, was arrested on Waterloo Bridge on Tuesday, 16 April, for obstruction of a public highway and wilful neglect of a public assembly condition.

The former drama student spent 12 hours in custody and was released without charge, but under investigation.

Speaking to the Cambrian News from a demonstration at Oxford Circus last Thursday, Zack, who studied at Aberystwyth from 2003 to 2006, said the experience of being arrested hadn’t put him off protesting.

“The principle is still the same now as it was when I was arrested, which is for the government and the media to take climate change seriously, to reduce carbon emissions by 2025 and to have a citizens assembly on the climate emergency,” he said.

Of his arrest, he added: “I was leading some chants and blocking Waterloo Bridge when the police arrived.

“I chanted louder and the next thing I knew, my hands were behind my back.

“I didn’t realise at the time that people could only protest at Marble Arch, which is what the wilful neglect charge relates to, but I am back out protesting.”

Zack, who is a Green Party candidate for the London Assembly and a parliamentary candidate for Cities of London and Westminster, said the crowds in London were getting bigger, but urged those unable to take part to do what they could to help.

“Aberystwyth is obviously a long way from London but this affects everyone, wherever you live in the world, so be vocal online, talk to your family and friends about the emergency and watch Sir David Attenborough’s documentary, Climate Change – The Facts because we are living through a climate emergency.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story and further coverage of the protests, available in shops and as a digital edition now