CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Glasgow's leading mental health charity have called on councillors to stop a 40 per cent funding cut they say will force it to close.

Public sector union Unison, along with staff and service users from Glasgow Association for Mental Health, were speaking after a meeting with Glasgow City Council's executive member for social care Malcolm Cunning, at which they say they were given no assurances about the charity's future.

Deborah Dyer, Unison's regional organiser, said Mr Cunning had insisted a decision on funding had not yet been made, leaving staff and service users in limbo as they wait to hear the council's plans.

GAMH's management were warned to prepare a business plan allowing for a cut of 20 per cent, 30 per cent or 40 per cent in the summer but have since been advised to expect the highest cut to its £2.18 million budget.

However, they say such a cut would be devastating, preventing the organisation from providing a city-wide service and may even force them to close it.

Ms Dyer said staff and service users were campaigning to save the service: "The strength of feeling was obvious at our demonstration last week - staff, service users, community groups all standing together against these cuts.

"A week later, the council remains silent. On one hand Councillor Cunning is telling us a decision has not been reached and on the other that council officials have the 'delegated authority' to make these decisions."