Protesters were jubilant today after county councillors put off controversial plans to cut vital night care services for elderly and disabled people.

Many of those affected joined a protest demonstration as councillors made their way into county hall yesterday.

Determined: Tuesday's protest

As reported in the later edition of yesterday's Oxford Mail, the cut in night care provision was part of a drive to save £10m from social services spending.

But officers said further cuts would have "unacceptable consequences to clients and carers.

Social services committee members voted to defer plans to save £150,000 over two years, by phasing out night care, and a further £130,000 by merging day care centres for elderly people.

Night service users said its abolition would cost lives and force more people into residential homes.

Dr Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for the South East, handed over an 800-signature petition opposing the move.

A Labour group motion to cancel the cuts was backed by Liberal Democrat and Green councillors.

They also asked officers to look into extending the service countywide it currently only operates in Witney, Banbury, Oxford and parts of Wantage and Faringdon.

Conservative councillors wanted the cuts to go ahead, claiming keeping the service would mean higher council tax rates.

After the meeting, Oxfordshire Community Care Action Group spokesman Larry Sanders said: "We are delighted.

"My feeling is it will be back on the agenda next year because they are looking to spread the money fairly thinly.

"But if they get health authorities and district councils to play their part, a long term service across the county could be secured."