HUNDREDS of public sector workers from across the region have taken part in protests against Government cuts.

The Northern Public Services Alliance (PSA) held a rally on Saturday to send its message that cuts are not the answer for the region and to show support for services facing the axe.

Supporters from trade unions, workers, service users and the general public gathered at Grey’s Monument, in Newcastle, on Saturday to hear from TUC deputy general secretary Frances O’Grady.

She said: “The public services we all rely on are in grave danger from the coalition Government’s savage, unnecessary and ideological cuts.

“These cuts will impact on us all, but it is the poorest, most vulnerable people who will suffer the worst consequences.

“The TUC believes there is a credible alternative based on growth, jobs and fair taxes, with rich bankers making a proper contribution to clearing up the mess they created.”

Meanwhile, in Bishop Auckland a meeting of the Labour Party, heard how the cuts will create a timebomb for a generation which is losing out on opportunities for training and growth.

Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, said: “In some of our villages and towns we have 40 per cent of young people unemployed and it’s a situation that’s going to get worse.

“We are dealing with a global problem; we are not in a unique situation and yet we are the only country in the world making these kind of cuts.

“The question has to be asked, ‘Why?’ and the simple reason for that is because they won’t work.” Pat Glass, MP for north-west Durham, said the county could lose an additional £80m on top of the £120m worth of cuts that have already been identified, if changes to the collection and distribution of business rates are implemented.

She said: “We are already facing cuts of £70 per person here, but in Surrey the cuts are £2 per person and in Dorset they are actually getting £2 per person more.

“This Government is doing what it always has done in favouring the towns and cities in south over the north.”