PRESS RELEASE
Staffordshire Breaking Point Rally
2:30pm Saturday 26th January
Market Square, Stafford
Moorlands Labour Councillors are supporting the Breaking Point Rally to protest at cuts to services across the region. Staffordshire County Council is looking to plug a £35million funding gap and has proposed measures such as axing school crossing patrol wardens. It has instead proposed that “community-funded” lollipop men and women could be used. Already though, a number of schools in the Moorlands have said that as a result of very tight budgets themselves they would not be able to meet the costs.
Leek South County Councillor Charlotte Atkins says:
“The response to our petition on the school crossing patrols has been incredible and this is a chance for residents to have their voices heard and make the Conservative Cabinet at the County Council realise the strength of feeling about the constant cuts to vital local services.”
However, the crossing patrols proposal represents less than 2% of the current round of cuts as Councils and Councillors across the country have been left trying to balance different priorities. Leek East District Councillor Darren Price is concerned about the overall impact of the cuts
“Make no mistake, these cuts are due to the Government’s austerity measures as they have drastically reduced funding to local authorities. The net result is that the elderly, the disabled and the most vulnerable members of our community who rely on public services will bear the brunt. I can’t and won’t sit back and watch that happen.”
Cllr Atkins adds:
“It is about choices, austerity is a choice and axing schools crossing patrols and putting the lives of our children in danger is a choice. Labour county councillors believe other choices would be more acceptable.”
The protest rally is being organised by Trades Unions and Labour members and anyone concerned is welcome to attend at Stafford’s Market Square from 2.30pm on 26th January to let the County Council know how you feel.
Notes for press:
For more information please contact:
CLLR CHARLOTTE ATKINS – Tel: 07814144074 Email: charlotte.atkins@staffordshire.gov.uk
CLLR DARREN PRICE – Tel: 07900210593 Email: darren.price@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk