Disabled protesters formed a human blockade around County Hall in Chelmsford.

Some handcuffed themselves to railings, while others blocked doors and lifts in the building, causing staff and county councillors to find alternative ways of getting to their offices.

Members of the Disabled People's Direct Action Network had travelled to County Hall yesterday to voice concerns about how disabled and elderly people are treated.

The group want the county council to fund initiatives where disabled people can be cared for in their own homes rather than institutions.

Johnny, a protester who did not wish to give his full name, said: "We want more studies into disabled people living in their own homes than living in institutions. It costs a fortune to keep people in these institutions when they could so easily be at home."

He added: "It is the same for the elderly, I would rather die in my own home than somewhere where nobody cares about you."

Another protester, who had travelled from Thurrock, said the unitary authority operating there was already carrying out studies to put money into caring for disabled and elderly at home.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said despite the leader of the council, Melvyn Juliff, coming out to speak to them, the protestors still had not left by 5pm.

"I think they wanted him to say the council would pledge money then and there but obviously with the budgets and everything it is not possible to do that. We have listened to their grievances and we feel we have done all we can to listen to their complaints," she added.

The only person to be allowed through the blockade was Clacton county councillor Roy Smith, a member of the Essex Disabled Association.

He said. "I feel it is important to listen to people but I am not in favour of the way they went about it."

He has promised to meet with them at any time to discuss the situation and promised to take up their case with the areas MPs.

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