TWO separate protests took place within metres of each other outside County Hall this morning.

Protestors from Women's Equality Party Worcester and Extinction Rebellion Worcestershire were campaigning as councillors made their way to Full Council.

Councillors arriving by car were first stopped by protestors from Extinction Rebellion to ask them to act on the climate emergency.

A few metres away, WEP Worcester wore white masks and held placards for a 'silent gathering' highlighting the need for sustainable funding for West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSAC).

Last month, Jocelyn Anderson announced WMRSAC is no longer able to accept new survivors due to a 'severe lack of funding'.

Leisa Taylor, branch officer, said: "As the Women's Equality Party we have as a main objective to end violence against women and girls - part of this is demanding sustainable ring fenced funding for the services that work with the victims of these heinous crimes.

"We have a long road ahead to change how rape and sexual assault are dealt with within the criminal justice system and how these crimes are perceived, acknowledged and dealt with in our homes, our schools, our workplaces and in all of society - rape and 'rape culture' is rife.

"We are hoping that today's action will encourage the elected members meeting today, as well as commissioners and officers, to consider their role in educating and protecting citizens - starting with sustainable funding of services that help victims start to piece their life back together."

Green Party councillor Louis Stephen joined the protest saying he was "very angry" the charity is having to focus on finding funding rather than providing its essential service.

Jem McCarron said she was at the protest as a show of solidarity and support for WMRASC.

Worcester News:

"There are not hundreds of us here but the circumstances are that a lot of people who have personal experience of the services do not necessarily feel able to take part.

"It is a vital service which supports children as young as five all the way through to adulthood.

"What they have said they need is long term, sustainable funding because as it is they are spending a considerable amount of time and energy seeking out funds which takes away from their support and means they can't future plan in the way they should."

Today's motion asks the cabinet member with responsibility to urgently consider 'providing a report to cabinet to discuss ways in which the county council could help to secure funding to enable this essential service to continue'.

Waving flags with the distinct Extinction Rebellion logo, protestors held placards stating 'Act now on climate change' and 'Give our children a future declare a climate emergency.'

Worcester News:

They stopped cars at the barrier to hand out leaflets ahead of a motion to declare a 'climate emergency that requires urgent action'.

David Whiting said: "We have been able to engage with a number of councillors.

"Some have chosen not to speak while some have actually driven at some speed towards us which is a bit disconcerting.

"We're looking to engage with our elected representatives in a peaceful way but they don't seem to be willing to talk."