UNION workers are to gather in Dalmuir Park tomorrow night to protest cuts to services in Clydebank.

The joint trade unions have called on residents to join them in opposing cuts, particularly to greenspace, which they said have left West Dunbartonshire a “wasteland”.

All the cuts were backed by the public in a pre-budget consultation earlier this year, including reducing funding for paid convener posts for the unions. But the SNP administration reversed that cut in April in a U-turn just before their first minister Nicola Sturgeon backed trade unions at the STUC conference.

Charlie McDonald, Unite convener, said: “The joint shop stewards would hope that the administration sees the impact of these cuts to the fabric of this community and to citizens and members of staff that work for WDC.

“These decisions are highly unpopular and the joint trade unions would ask that they see sense and even at this late time reverse their decision.

“The people of West Dunbartonshire would think more of them, because their popularity is zero at this present time.”

Val Jennings, Unison branch convener, said they remain opposed to all cuts and the council had reached “breaking point” for service standards.

She said: “Cuts to staffing levels are having an impact on the wellbeing of our members. The cuts to greenspace have left our community like a wasteland further driving down morale of the community and pride in West Dumbarton.

“Our anti-austerity campaign aims to drum up support from members in the workplace and the community to build resistance against austerity and get the message across that we will not accept any cuts to our services or jobs.

“This is an area of high deprivation with a serious need for quality services our community deserves better.”

The rally at Dalmuir Park on May 24 starts at 6.30pm with speeches from the trade union conveners.