SWINGEING cuts to services, including the closure of four public toilets and reduced funding for Redbridge Drama Centre were agreed by councillors last night.

Council leader Cllr Keith Prince introduced the 11/12 budget at a meeting of the full council at Redbridge Town Hall, Ilford, pledging to take the “tough decisions”.

“We will do what’s right for the people of Redbridge,” added the Conservative group leader.

Last minute impassioned pleas by Caroline Ward, a 17-year member of Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, failed to sway councillors, a majority of who voted in favour of the budget.

More follows later