AS residents reel in shock over one set of draconian cuts to social services, it seems that another wave is on the way.

We have to wonder just how people in need, particularly frail, elderly residents and disabled folk, are going to survive in the community in the future.

Centres will be closed down and sold off and you can be sure they will never be replaced.

Respite care will be near impossible to obtain and already heavily burdened carers will come another step closer to breaking point.

Mental health day care will be reduced, leaving vulnerable people trapped in their homes or wandering aimlessly in the streets.

Meals on Wheels will virtually become a thing of the past.

What is particularly depressing is that councillors have decided not to raise the money needed through council tax.

It seems that 80 per cent of residents consulted said they were not prepared to pay more to solve the social services problem.

It doesn't say much for us as a community or for our own chances of a good quality of life in illness and old age.