Further protests against Combat Stress cuts

The group protesting the cuts at Combat Stress will meet on December 1 at Shuker Fields car park in Newport and then march through the town, and they're inviting members of the public to join them. They will meet for a 12pm march on the day.

Anybody interested in getting involved is invited to bring their tents, warm clothing and enough supplies to get them through the night.

Organiser Pete Neale said he was sick of being "fobbed off" over the cuts, and that he was inviting MPs to join them for the demonstration.

"We're sick of hearing the same story," he said. "We want to be heard by Government. We should not be treated like this and cast to the side. It’s about time they started to look after veterans the right way.

"Everyone is welcome as we need the town to support us. We, the veterans, would appreciate the support either on the march or at the sit in."

The veterans marched on Audley Court last month after learning that residential treatment at the Newport treatment centre was being stopped.

The charity said the changes would “offer greater flexibility and accessibility” for veterans, although those that used the service felt that the loss of those programmes could damage lives in the future.

Now the 2,000 strong Save Audley Court Facebook group has turned its attention to protesting the government and Ministry of Defence.

Combat Stress CEO Sue Freeth said it was important for the charity to get back into the black.

"Our plans are about supporting the individual, assessing them quickly and getting them the right expertise," she said.

“We need to be sustainable. If we keep running services we can’t afford, we won’t exist at all."