CAMPAIGNERS for the disabled have likened benefits cuts proposed by the Government as "social cleansing".

Around 30 people gathered in front of the Co-op in Lydney to protest cuts they say will make it impossible for some people to live.

They claim it will also put centres for the disabled, such as the Foxes Bridge Centre in Cinderford and the Fairtide Centre in Lydney, at risk.

"These cuts are like social cleansing – it is absolutely wicked," said Diana Harrison, 58.

"The total budget to care for the disabled is being cut, yet this amount is what the bankers will get in their bonus packets.

"Incapacity benefit is going to be taken away and everyone will have to have medical tests and will end up with a reduced allowance."

Campaigner Martha Edwards said those in Band D, who are in residential care homes, will no longer be allowed to go to day centres where they meet up with friends and do activities.

Tammy Bollen, 31, has been going to the Fairtide recycling centre in Lydney for 13 years.

"I go there every day, five days a week," she said.

"I like going there to see my friends.

"There's a drop-in centre in Gloucester but I would have to go by bus and that is a long way to go."

"There's going to be a knock-on effect. We will lose our carers and those carers will lose their jobs," said Martha.

"They are also going to cut wardens at assisted living bungalows.

"At the moment the people who live there get a visit from a warden four-days-a-week.

"Some people in their 90s rely on this visit but now they may only get a phone call – if that. These cuts are immoral and unethical."

The campaigners, who have called themselves the Disabled Action Group Lydney, fear that a further effect of these changes will be that the centres will then be forced to close down due to insufficient user numbers.

Campaigners remained outside the Co-op for two hours on Monday gathering signatures for a petition against the cuts.