Dorset unions set for protest over council cuts that could 'decimate public services'

A Dorset trade union group are calling on locals to be heard when they march through Dorchester on Saturday - protesting over proposed council cuts.

The Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland Trade Union Councils are voicing their anger over plans from Dorset County Council to cut a further £11 million from next year's budget.

Organiser of the march and Secretary of the Trades Council Tim Nicholls, said: "This level of cuts is not sustainable anywhere and least of all in a county such as Dorset.

"We have an elderly population who rely on public services to help them live.

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"You only have to look at the expansion of food banks to know there is a poverty problem in this county.

"Food banks are the growth industry in Britain today and we now have them serving their communities in Dorchester, Bridport and Weymouth"

The march will start at 10am from the Great Field in Poundbury, passing Dorset County Hospital and finishing with a rally at the bottom of South Street.

Pamela Jefferies from UNISON added: "We are encouraging all UNISON members and the public to show their love for our public services by joining the march against the cuts.

"The £11 million cuts in the year ahead are going to decimate public services but this is only a taste of what is to follow. The council have two more years of cutting in excess of £13 million a year."

Speakers at the rally will include Dorset UNISON chair Cllr Alistair Chisholm, and the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Dr Graham Kings.

Dorset County Council will vote on budget proposals on January 14, being dubbed 'The Great Valentines Day Budget Massacre' by protesters.