Campaigners will keep up pressure against care cuts

Unison Glasgow branch secretary Brian Smith, who has been leading the campaign, welcomed the fact that the city council had put off the January 24 vote on the proposed cuts in learning disability day centres and services.

Mr Smith said: "This is of course entirely down to the pressure exerted on the council by those who use the services and their families, their supporters in the various campaigning groups including the Defend Glasgow Services Campaign and the trade unions.

"However, there are still no changes to the proposals and we must keep up the pressure on the council."

The 12.30pm protest on Wednesday January 23 outside the City Chambers will go ahead as planned.

The campaign also received a boost as author and artist Alasdair Gray gave his support to the demonstration.

Meanwhile local MSPs have been critical of the council's position on cuts to learning disability services.

Labour MSP for Maryhill and Springburn Patricia Ferguson said: "I am not content that the process so far has been appropriate. I welcome the extension and hope it will allow carers to participate."

Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris said he believed the proposals to be "a straightforward cut to services for vulnerable people, particularly those with the most profound learning difficulties."