TRADE unionists will lobby the council this evening over planned cuts to public services.

Councillors will tonight vote on proposals that will see the local authority cut £12.5 million from its budget in the next two years, as well as using £30 million of its reserves to balance the budget.

The planned lobby, organised by the Bolton Trades Union Council, is expected to start at 6pm outside the town hall.

Andrea Egan, assistant branch secretary of Bolton Unison said: “We all know that the council is strapped for cash due to government funding cuts.

“However there are several concerns about the consultation process.

“The views of trade unions and other organisations in the town appear to have been disregarded.

“We need to ask difficult questions about the consultation process.

“There are still unanswered questions about £40 million in reserves. Above anything we need Bolton Council to be open and transparent in how decisions are made.

“Across Bolton, council workers, are trying hard to maintain decent services to the people of Bolton.

“We need to ensure that those at the top do not tarnish the reputation of the council workforce.”