A MAJOR protest is expected tonight as Wirral Council's cabinet meets to decide the first phase of a massive cost-cutting programme.

The civic hall at Wallasey Town Hall is being readied to accommodate the high numbers expected to turn up to hear staff terms and conditions debated - it is anticipated substantial reductions in redundancy payments will be agreed.

The council has sent out more than 3,000 letters to workers informing them their positions are on the "at risk" list.

Up to 700 could lose their jobs as the authority seeks to find ways to reduce its spending by £77m over this financial year.

Also on the agenda tonight are nominations for Mayor of Wirral with the former leader of the council, Cllr Steve Foulkes, being tipped to be Labour's choice to take office in 2014.

More later...