Thousands march over council cuts

Protesters are angry about the level of budget cuts

Thousands of people have marched through Aberdeen city centre to protest against council cutbacks.

Campaigners said the �27m cuts affected schools, sports facilities and services for the disabled and vulnerable.

Organisers said about 5,000 people joined the march but police put the figure at nearer 2,000.

The council, which is run by a Lib Dem/SNP coalition, admitted difficult choices had to be made and blamed years of under funding.

However, Finance Secretary John Swinney blamed political rivals for the multi-million pound budget cuts.

The march and rally was organised by the Grampian Senior Citizens' Forum and Aberdeen Trades Union Council.

BBC Scotland understands that the Accounts Commission public hearing into the council's finances is set to be held in the middle of May.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version