TRADE unions and concerned members of the community sent a strong message to Southend Council as they took part in a mass demonstration in protest against plans to slash to services.
The threat of closure to seven community centres, 40 job losses, cuts to the leisure services department and the park ranger services as part of its bid to save the council £5 million drew more than 500 council workers and residents to Pier Hill on Saturday.
The rally, which was led by the three trade unions Unison, the GMB and BECTU, moved on to the High Street, where protesters chanted the slogan "save our services" to the beat of drums and whistles.
Placards with messages such as "Save Our Play Group", "Keep the Palace Theatre Open", "No Redundances, No Closures", "Stop the Cuts" and "Cultural Capital or Casino Capital?" filled the air.
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