Protesters out in force at County Hall

Protesters descended on County Hall in Preston today as Lancashire County Council prepared to meet to vote through a raft of cuts to services.
David Hudson, chairman of Save our Buses Ribchester presents protest petition to cabinet member Coun John Fillis at County Hall PrestonDavid Hudson, chairman of Save our Buses Ribchester presents protest petition to cabinet member Coun John Fillis at County Hall Preston
David Hudson, chairman of Save our Buses Ribchester presents protest petition to cabinet member Coun John Fillis at County Hall Preston

Around 20 people from Save Our Buses Ribchester handed over a petition to councillors, ahead of plans to cut bus services from the village to places such as Clitheroe, Preston and Blackburn.

The bus service is due to stop on February 20th, leaving the village cut off and multiple groups affected.

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This is despite the fact that a consultation period is still ongoing.

Housing protesters outside County Hall, Preston, ahead a full council meeting to dicuss budget cutsHousing protesters outside County Hall, Preston, ahead a full council meeting to dicuss budget cuts
Housing protesters outside County Hall, Preston, ahead a full council meeting to dicuss budget cuts

David Hudson, chairman of Save Our Buses Ribchester, who handed over a petition to Coun John Fillis, said: “There are lots of levels on which people are affected, young people can’t get to school, the elderly can’t get to hospital appointments.

“The issues we have is that the consultation is flawed – the whole process is flawed.”

Housing protesters were also present outside County Hall, with proposals to cut funding to projects that house vulnerable people.

Councillors were being asked to agree the county council’s latest budget alterations, which are set to drastically cut spending on local services as the council struggles with a funding black hole.