THE leader of Colchester Council has joined Lib Dem colleagues across the country to condemn her government’s spending cuts.

Anne Turrell was one of 88 leaders and Lib Dem group leaders at councils at town and county halls to sign an open letter accusing Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles of "letting down" users of council services and refusing to work with councillors.

They wrote: "These cuts will have an undoubted impact on all frontline council services, including care services to the vulnerable.

“Rather than assist the country's recovery by making savings to the public in a way that can protect local economies and the front line, the cuts are structured in such a way that they will do the opposite."