Hundreds march in Bath against council cuts

Around 400 people marched in protest at council cuts

Campaigners have marched through Bath city centre to protest against council cuts.

Supporters of Bath Deserves Better marched against reductions to arts funding, Bathampton Meadows park and ride and library services.

The group said the cuts will "change the city" and "put at risk its World Heritage status".

The authority said "difficult decisions" need to be taken. An estimated 400 people joined the march.

Organiser Dionne Pemberton said: "We want a meet face-to-face meeting to discuss controversial and expensive changes that council leaders are pushing through despite huge public opposition.

"We believe many of these changes won't help our city; they will harm it."

The campaigners claim Bath's World Heritage status will be at risk if the cuts go ahead.

The march is the latest in several demonstrations against the authority.

Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Tim Warren said the council was taking "difficult decisions in order to balance the budget".

He added: "I think that most residents recognise we are dealing with a challenging situation, but trying to do so in a way that protects as many services as possible whilst continuing to invest in the future."