A petition signed by 2,500 Bristol residents will be presented to councillors tomorrow, Tuesday 15 Septembe, urging the city council to reject plans to axe five beds at the Bush residential unit for disabled children.

The independent mayor of Bristol George Ferguson is pressing ahead with his plans to scrap the beds in a bid to save £350,000-a-year, despite widespread opposition, and the full council rejecting the mayor’s proposals in February.

The campaign has been spearheaded by the Bristol community branch of Unite the unionafter one of its members Ornella Saibene, who has a disabled godson relying on the unit’s services every week, raised the issue.

The petition will be handed in to the full council meeting at St George's Hall, Great George Street, Bristol.

Unite pointed out 'the curious financial reasoning' that sees the much-needed beds facing the axe, while a total of £2.3 million is being spent on 20 mph road signs in the city.

Unite community coordinator for the south west Brett Sparkes said: "The Bush respite centre provides a vital service to our community, offering care and support to the most vulnerable children and pressured families in our city. These cuts, if they are allowed to go ahead, will start the slippery slope towards closure.

"The recently refurbished building has excellent facilities. Fostering, befriending, short breaks and direct payments are no match to the resources and care at the Bush. Unite Community is standing in solidarity with the children and families that rely on the crucial services at the Bush."