Cyrenians take stand against cutbacks

AN ABERDEEN charity for the homeless is to stage a week-long protest against plans to slash its budget by almost £1million.

The Cyrenians are taking a stand against Aberdeen City Council’s plan to cut their budget by around £900,000.

Staff, clients and supporters will gather in the city centre and protest against the cuts every day from tomorrow at 2pm until the morning of the mass demonstration on April 5 when the group will march with other protesters.

The £900,000 budget cut is nearly a quarter of the charity’s annual budget. It is likely to mean the loss of 30 jobs and the closure of three accommodation projects for 25 homeless people.

Sean Brodie, an Aberdeen man helped by the Cyrenians, said: “Staff are always there to help. If this place was not here I don’t know what I would have done.”

Anyone able to support the Cyrenians in their demonstration should contact them on 01224 572877, e-mail info@aberdeen-cyrenians.org or visit their website www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org

Meanwhile, campaigners working to save closure-threatened Doonies Farm in the south of the city insist that “Doonies is not doomed”.

John Sleigh, campaign co-ordinator for Friends of Doonies, said they had discussed a business plan.

“Friends of Doonies have successfully called on Aberdeen City Council to meet round the table,” he said.

“Hopes are high that the council and Friends of Doonies can work together.”

The meeting will be held in the Cove Bay Hotel on April 1 at 7.30pm. The £27million cuts will see the closure of leisure facilities and the reduction of services for vulnerable people in the city.