TRADE unionists plan to fight back against the far-reaching cuts to services and jobs in Somerset.

They are mounting a campaign in response to multi-million pound cuts announced by Somerset County Council and the "devastating impact on individuals and families".

The launch takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at a meeting called by Taunton and West Somerset Trades Council.

The speakers include UNITE regional secretary Steve Preddy and UNISON regional manager Kerry Baigent, as well as local union representatives.

A spokesperson for the trades council said: "We want to make sure that we have a full picture of what has happened in Somerset and how it has affected people's lives and what the projections are going forward.

"Millions more are to be slashed from the county council budget this year and next, so great is the disquiet at what is happening that four of the five MPs in the county have written to the government to express their concern.

"The Prime Minister said austerity was over, but there's absolutely no sign of this here. We say that the cuts must stop and public services be restored to meet the needs of everyone in our community."

The meeting will consider the most effective practical campaigns the group can mount to get heard locally and nationally.

The meeting is at Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, at 10.30am until 1.00pm.