By Jo O’Reilly

YOUNG people from across Harlow, including representatives from the Harlow Foyer and Harlow Youth Council, took part in a protest today at County Hall in Chelmsford.

The demonstration was in protest against possible cuts of up to £5million to the Essex youth service budget.

The protest organised by Harlow’s prospective parliamentary candidate Suzy Stride and county councillor Karen Clempner also included members of the Chelmsford Youth Council and representatives from Unite, who sponsored the coach to Chelmsford, and Unison.

Whilst the Essex County Councillor in charge of the budget Ray Gooding held a meeting about the cuts, outside, the young people,joined by Harlow Labour councillors Jon Clempner, Manny Doku, Mike Danvers Emma Toal, and armed with vuvuzelas and a megaphone made sure their voices were heard.

Harlow youth councillor Madalina Salavestru said of the protest: “It went really well. I am really proud of everyone for taking part and I hope it will change Ray Goodings mind.”

The Harlow Youth Council were also busy outside the offices, collecting signatures for a petition against the cuts.

Harlow Council’s portfolio holder for youth and citizenship, Emma Toal said: ‘I thought it was a really powerful protest, young people might not have a vote but they definitely have a voice and that was heard today.’