The first meeting of the new Cambridge council with the new Mayor Sheila Stuart,

A budget meeting of Cambridge City Council had to be suspended temporarily after shouting and chanting by protesters.

Councillors were expected to rubber stamp plans to slash £2 million of public spending in the city with the loss of 41 jobs.

But around 50 protesters who packed into the public gallery halted proceedings with chants of “resign before you sign” and shouts.

As councillors tried to discuss another controversial issue - moving the Lion Yard toilets from the ground level to the first floor - a paper aeroplane was thrown from the gallery.

When warnings for quiet from city Mayor, Cllr Sheila Stuart failed, the meeting which started at 6pm, was temporarily suspended around 6.45pm.

It resumed 15 minutes later but the shouting continued and the meeting was stopped. About half a dozen police officers, who were already at the scene, asked everyone to leave the public gallery.

Cllr Stuart said: “Sadly it’s impossible to distinguish between the protesters and peaceful members of the public. Therefore the police advice is not to open the public gallery at this time.”
The scenes were similar to those at the Cambridgeshire County Council meeting on Tuesday, which was also disrupted and had to stop and started three times.

Early yesterday morning (Wednesday) staff at Shire Hall returned to find Superglue poured through six locks - they estimate a £250 repair bill.

Councillors decisions and more details will follow in the morning.