CROWDS gathered outside of West Dunbartonshire Council's headquarters today in opposition to proposed budget cuts.

Councillors are currently at Church Street in Dumbarton to consider a range of money-saving options in an effort to plug the council’s remaining £8.3million budget gap. Council tax rates will also be set.

At a previous meeting in December 20 last year, the budget gap was reduced from an initial £17.3million after a first lot of savings options, management adjustments and a reduction to the council’s employer pension contribution rate.

The proposed cuts include reducing or removing grant funding for Antonine Sports Centre, a reduction to the school clothing grant, out-of-school care services closing at Linnvale and St Eunan’s and garden waste collections ceasing. or a being fee introduced.

Members of various trade unions - including UNISON, Unite the Union, GMB, STUC as well as local groups and charities joined together on Church Street shortly after 3pm to voice their concerns and frustrations.

To view a list of proposed cuts, click HERE.