SINCE the Journal launched its Save our Services campaign last month, the strength of feeling it has generated is clear to see.

We have been inundated with letters, messages of support and calls from local people who want to take a stand against the drastic cost- cutting proposed by Wiltshire Council and other organisations providing vital care services for the most vulnerable people in our society.

Petitions, protests, music concerts, events, online campaigns and meetings are all taking place as the young people and families who will be worst affected by the funding cuts fight back.

They are determined to make the decision-makers sit up and listen and say that children with learning difficulties, young people and disabled adults need more help and support, not less.

Already there has been some success, with Wiltshire Council deciding to reduce proposed funding cuts to youth services from £500,000 to £250,000.

And money is starting to come in from fundraising events organised in support of the John McNeill Opportunity Centre, a nursery for disabled children that has had its funding slashed by the council.

But with the Douglas Arter Centre for disabled adults still under the threat of closure, uncertainty about the future of youth centres and more savings that need to be found, there is still a long way to go until the battle is won.

* PEOPLE across Wiltshire, particularly young people, have until Monday, April 14 to give their opinions on four options for the future of the provision of youth activities in the county. The consultation can be found at sparksite.co.uk.