A UNION leader warned a rally attended by hundreds of disgruntled Barnet residents was “the first of many demonstrations" against planned cuts to services.

Hundreds of people joined a march to North Finchley's artsdepot yesterday morning, followed by a rally with prominent speakers and bands, including The Foundations, who wore “No to easycouncil” t-shirts.

The demonstration was organised by the Barnet alliance for Public Services (BAPS) in light of cuts being made by Barnet Council as it tries to save £54 million over the next four years.

Austin Harney, the secretary of Barnet's Trade Union Council, said: “Congratulations to all the public sector workers and voluntary workers out today for this demonstration.

“We really care about the most vulnerable people in our society. They say the cuts are necessary, but we all know £120 billion of tax is not paid every year. Why don't they concentrate on getting that back?

“This is going to be the first of many demonstrations. There's no way they are going to destroy society, because we're going to hit right back at them.”

Dozens of groups and organisations threatened with funding cuts were also represented outside the auditorium and many suppporters signed petitions.

Representatives from Barnet and the Church Farmhouse Museums, which face having all their funds cut by the council, welcomed the support.

David Bicknell, chairman of the friends of Church Farmhouse, told the Times Series: “We've had lots of signatures and lots of support, it's been very good.

“I had a very interesting conversation with a guy from a special school who told me how invaluable the displays were to his children. Actually, being able to see things really puts it into context for them and helps them learn more than books.

“They thought we were easy targets, but this should give the councillors something to think about and we hope they reconsider their cuts programme.”

John Burgess, UNISON Barnet branch secretary, described the event as “fantastic” and praised the hard work of organisers.

He added: “It's like big society turned around and we're saying we don't want this to happen to our public services.

“The council has found reserves from all over the place to pay for the £9.2m Future Shape, so why doesn't it use up some of the reserves to pay for frontline services?”