Defend Our Community Services launched in Bracknell
On Thursday 29 July, 33 trade unionists and community activists met in Bracknell, Berkshire, to begin the fightback against cuts to jobs and services in the area and to launch Defend Our Community Services (DOCS).
The local Unite branch initiated the meeting which was attended by members of several trade unions, political parties, community groups and hospital workers.
The Tory council is planning to abolish free swimming for the young and elderly in September. Libraries are facing cuts in opening hours.
The council withdrew support for the over-50s’ Look In Café, for the sake of £50,000, whilst at the same time paying around £500,000 last year in allowances to councillors. A campaign by café users resulted in it surviving as a community facility with some support from the council.
NHS staff aired their fears that jobs will disappear at our local hospital and there are still worries that it may close. Others talked about the risk to pensioners’ free travel passes, winter fuel allowances and subsidised TV licences.
A public meeting with national and local speakers is now planned.
