“Make the bells ring out at County Hall”, that’s the latest message for Island residents from the Isle of Wight Stop the Cuts Alliance.
The Alliance wants concerned Islanders to call County Hall next Monday 31 January and ask for a meeting with their councillors to discuss the budget proposals.
The Isle of Wight council’s ruling Conservative Group publish their 2011/12 budget this Friday which will contain proposals for savings in a plethora of areas across public services including; £175,000 on tourist info centres, £100,000 on beach lifeguards, £2.1m on area based grant activities like Connexions and support for schools, £100,000 on public conveniences, £3.1m tightening eligibility criteria and raising charges for social care services and £763,000 on closing libraries.
Tanja Rebel, Alliance spokesperson, said “When the public see the figures in this budget we want them to phone County Hall on Monday and arrange a meeting to voice their opinions to their local councillor. We want the phones ringing off their hooks and councillors’ diaries full with individual meetings”.
David Pugh, the council leader, has called upon those opposed to the cuts to come up with alternatives. The Alliance states firmly in response that “The ruling group of the council should not ask local people to fix the budget; this job is up to our elected officials – what we do ask for is a budget set according to the needs of the Island.”
Residents can call the central council number, 01983 821000, and ask to speak with their local councillor.
