Hundreds demonstrate over Wirral council cuts plans

Dec 18 2012 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

HUNDREDS of protesters gathered at a Merseyside town hall demanding councillors think again over controversial plans to cut jobs and services.

The public gallery of the Wirral council chamber in Wallasey town hall was so packed that other protesters had to listen to the debate from the civic hall within the building.

Unison branch secretary Joe Taylor said many council workers are in fear of losing their jobs, and added: “The options outlined are drastic and cut away the heart of communities and services in Wirral.”

He said the unions are trying to present “viable options” to councillors in a bid to change their minds.

The authority has outlined £49m-worth of cuts and is consulting the public over the range of proposals as it seeks to save £39m next year.

At the meeting, Ross Quinn, of Wirral United Against Cuts, presented a petition of almost 8,000 names and called on councillors to defy the Government and refuse to implement the cuts. Cheered on by those in the public gallery, he told councillors: "You have an alternative."

He said: "Let's send them a message.