An impassioned band of protesters have gathered at Suffolk County Council headquarters this morning to make clear their dismay at proposed cuts to public spending in Suffolk.

Today's council meeting starts at 2pm.

Union members joined voluntary workers and residents of rural villages, angry at the prospect of losing what they see as indispensable services, under threat from county council budget saving measures.

Protests are planned all day outside Endeavour House, in Ipswich, where the 2011/12 budget is to be discussed by the Conservative-run authority.

One demonstrator, Cad Taylor, of CSV Media, said: 'We're now at a stage where this affects everybody.

'We're at risk of losing our smaller rural services in one fell swoop.

More protesters are expected in the run-up to the meeting.

- Log on to this site from 2pm for live coverage of the council meeting, protests and the chance to have your say.