PROTESTERS against plans by Cheshire West and Chester Council's Tory-controlled executive to scrap transport subsidies for pupils who attend faith schools and post-16 students are being encouraged to attend its special meeting on August 17.

After a stormy debate at a meeting of the full council, interrupted by both protests and applause from the public seats, Labour councillor Nicole Meardon said: “I would urge as many people as possible to attend, to again put forward their views. It is important the executive know how much opposition there is to these proposals.

“We will continue to get this issue highlighted throughout our area to expose the effects the proposals will have on individual families.”

The executive is due to consider recommendations by a council scrutiny committee which voted to ask that the proposals be withdrawn or that any action should be deferred for a minimum of 12 months.

The council itself had a petition signed by more than 1,770 people.

Moving a motion for Labour, Cllr Amy Mercer-Bailey said: “I urge councillors to represent the people rather than toe the party line.”

Cllr Gareth Anderson (Con) pointed out a ‘big omission’ in the debates and in the Labour motion had been how to pay for the continuation of the service.

“I ask the people who understandably and reasonably are asking for this decision not to go ahead to consider where that money comes from.”

Children’s services portfolio holder Cllr Mark Stocks (Con) insisted: “I am confident the policy we are putting forward is right for this authority.

“The reality is we have a huge budget problem.”

Cllr Stocks gave an assurance the council would work with parents, colleges and schools to mitigate the proposals.

Suggesting where the money could be found, deputy Labour leader Cllr Pat Merrick pointed out that in the past 12 months the council had spent ‘between £4m and £6m on consultants’.

“I put forward that we do not employ as many consultants,” she said.

Cllr Meardon commented: “It is an issue of discriminating against those of faith and their right to have their children educated at the school of their faith.”

The meeting takes place at 5.30pm on August 17 at HQ in Chester.