RE:D Centre campaigners have been thrown a last-minute legal lifeline in their fight to stop its funding being halved.

Several users of the Morley Street centre have started a class action against the council's decision, and their solicitors were in court on Wednesday asking for permission to seek a judicial review.

Protesters, who came out in force to lobby the same day's council budget meeting, packed into the public gallery to continue to plead their case.

They then heard council solicitor Val Cave announce that the court judge had postponed his decision until March 8. She said the council had instructed a barrister to defend the claim, and advised councillors not to discuss the Re:d Centre during the budget debate in case it prejudiced proceedings.

This annoyed Tory and Lib Dem councillors, who wanted to move amendments blocking the £235,000 funding cut.

Council leader John Byrne insisted the budget had to be set on the night, which meant the reduction went ahead. However, the centre will be funded until the court has made its decision, and the council will have to make provision in its budget depending on what that might be.

Centre users are using the same solicitors as those who tried to stop the council closing several of its old folks homes. They say that the council's decision is irrational and unlawful because, among other reasons, it was rushed and there was insufficient consultation.