Protesters march past County Hall in a stop the cuts demonstration on Saturday. Picture by Peter Boam.
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HUNDREDS of protesters descended on Newport on Saturday to march against proposed cuts to services, including libraries, public toilets, lifeguards and tourist information centres.
The crowds of demonstrators included trade union groups, students, public sector workers, families, pensioners and anti-cuts protesters.
Protest organisers estimated more than 1,000 took part, while police monitoring the march put the number at around 500.
Led by samba players, they marched through the streets from Newport Quay, temporarily bringing the town to a standstill while police halted the traffic.
Joined by more demonstrators along the route, the protesters waved placards and banners calling for the Isle of Wight Council to back down on its plans to slash public services, plans which are set to be decided at the authority's crucial budget-setting meeting on Wednesday.
Following the march, there were speeches in St Thomas's Square by union leaders, members of the Isle of Wight Stop the Cuts Alliance and Labour councillor Geoff Lumley.
UNISON branch secretary Mark Chiverton said: "When you look at the sheer number of people who have turned out today, I think it sends a very clear message to the council that the Island community is opposed to these cuts. This is certainly the biggest demonstration on the Island for many years, if not ever.
"I think it is imperative the council listens to this protest and thinks again about its budget strategy, which would be a disaster for the Island.
"I would appeal to everyone over the next few days to lobby their councillor. We need to keep the pressure on the council leadership ahead of the budget meeting."
But council leader Cllr David Pugh said public protests were not the solution.
"I understand people feel very strongly about their services but we have to set a balanced budget and we cannot avoid the fact we are facing significant funding reductions," he said.
"Protests like this will not have an impact without alternative suggestions for savings."
There will be another protest outside County Hall at 5pm on Wednesday, ahead of the budget meeting.
March against proposed cuts.
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Video by Christian Beasley.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk