Protestors stand against cuts in Staffordshire - PICTURES and VIDEO
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Stafford in a stand against funding cuts to services.
People of all ages from all over Staffordshire met in the town's Market Square on Saturday afternoon with banners and placards.
Cuts proposed by the council include to the community and voluntary sector support, Your Staffordshire card and reductions for concessionary fares scheme, and community transport.
WATCH: Large turnout at protest
Councillor Sue Woodward, opposition leader at Conservative-led Staffordshire County Council, said: "From my perspective we put forward a series of alternatives to making the cuts proposed to the county council, and we know the pressures they are under but we think some of the proposals are going to hit hardest on those least able to withstand the cuts.
"People were very vocal about the school crossing patrols and they changed their minds about that, but there are lots of other areas of funding we're still concerned about.
"Things like the early travel concessions for those with bus passes.
"We had lots of people coming up and chatting to us and expressing concerns, there was a real buzz because it felt like people were on the same page.
"The impact from the cuts are going to be felt for months and years ahead."
Recently the lollipop patrols were saved after the cash-strapped county council agreed to continue to fund them.
Crossing wardens had looked set for the axe in many areas after proposals to stop funding them were put forward.
However, following a backlash from parents council bosses have decided to carry on providing the service.
The possibility of communities and businesses funding lollipop wardens had been explored by the council, while almost 7,000 people signed a petition against the cuts.
Leader of Staffordshire County Council Philip Atkins said: “We published our draft budget proposals for 2019-20 three months earlier than usual so that we would consider all options for balancing the books in the face of a £35m gap in our budget.
“We have since had our financial settlement from Government and are continuing to work through the proposals. An update will go back to Cabinet for consideration on January 30 and then on to full council for approval at our meeting on February 14.”
