Bristolians march against the cuts

On Saturday 19th February 2011 the people of Bristol took to the streets once again to demand of the Council - "Stop the Cuts!" 

It was a lively and colourful demonstration, buoyed up by the recent victory of the Forest of Dean campaign. About 2000 people marched to the Council House to demand of our elected councillors that they do not wreak havoc on the services and economy of Bristol. There were good speakers both at the beginning in Castle Park and at the main rally at College Green, including school student Patrick McInally, Roger Davey from Unison (p.c.) and Laura Welti from the Bristol Disablity Forum.
On Tuesday the 22nd Bristol City Council will meet to approve the massive cuts budget for the City – but if we keep the pressure on we can break them and their slash-and-burn policies. We need to build on demonstrations like this one to send the ConDem cuts package the same way as the legislation for selling off the forest - into the dustbin of history!
Bristol & District Anti-Cuts Alliance have since circulated the following to protest against the appalling numeracy of the BBC, but they have since changed the report from "reports say 500" to "Police say about 500" - so no surprises there:

"It seemed to go very well - lots of people, a wide range of banners and good speakers. We raised over £600 in the collection. Thanks to everyone who helped with the publicity for it and organisation on the day.

However the BBC at first reported the turnout as 200 and this has been picked up by other news services. We know there are lies, damned lies and reported demonstration numbers but this is ridiculous. A count put it nearer 3000. We have complained twice now to the BBC and they have raised the number to 500 in the report on their website. Can as many people as possible complain about this disgraceful distortion. It is important because both Bristol City Council and central government will use this figure to say we do not have much support."

(Thanks to Matt Carey for the pictures)