Dozens of banner-waving protesters turned out today to mark their dismay at the prospect of deep cuts in North Yorkshire social services.

Protesters outside County Hall, Northallerton, today

More than 60 people arrived at County Hall in Northallerton to mark their fears as social services committee members gathered to discuss how to plug a £3.3m budget gap.

David Kilmister, chair of Scarborough Mencap, was there to protest against job losses to his staff, which would affect the lives of 35 parents who rely on his service to help them with respite care for their sick children.

The cuts will mean the service is under threat.

Joyce Clayton, from Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Advocacy Alliance, was protesting against the removal of its entire grant, which would affect five staff and 75 support volunteers.

She said: "We're absolutely devastated because our organisation is used by Social Services so much to represent the views of people about what they are doing and these cuts will remove their voice."

Gloria Sturdy, of Harrogate Voluntary Services, said: "This is horrendous.

"The Government is cutting the heart out of voluntary services completely and it's wrong."

She was concerned that the cuts would affect the most vulnerable people in the community.

Lynette Barnes, of Ripon Voluntary Services, echoed Mrs Sturdy's words.

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