The biggest public march and rally the Island has seen is set to take place on Saturday 19 February 2011. Organised by the Isle of Wight Stop the Cuts Alliance the demo will bring together protestors from all walks of life.
“Islanders have already shown their support for public services on the Isle of Wight via their attendance at town council meetings, lobbying of councillors, letter writing to our local press and taking part in local action groups – this march will give them the opportunity to come together in one loud voice to make our Conservative councillors hear – „we don?t want your cuts budget – we love our local services?”. This was the message from Alliance spokesperson, Geoff Mason, following the announcement of arrangements and route for the mass anti-cuts demonstration.
The Alliance have just finalised arrangements with local police and the local authority highways department and can now confirm the event details.
The marchers will gather on Newport Quay at 11am and move off at 11.30am. The route will then follow Quay Street, High Street – with a brief stop outside County Hall, around Coppins Bridge, South Street, Pyle Street and ending with a rally outside the Minster.
The rally will be addressed by speakers from many of the services and areas affected by the proposed cuts.
Disgruntled Islanders also have the opportunity to join the mass lobby of the Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 8 February at 5pm outside County Hall.
“We will use the 15 minutes of public question time, prior to the meeting, to pose some pretty searching questions to the cabinet members – they need to account for why they are choosing to make these swingeing cuts to Island services in the face of growing opposition. One assumes they must be very confident of re-election – surprising when some members of the Conservative ruling group have majorities as low as 4, 7 and 16”, commented Geoff Mason.
