THE Grim Reaper paraded through Blackburn to warn of the ‘death’ of public services.

Trade union activist Tom Howard dressed up for the town-centre stunt ahead of a public meeting this week to debate spending cuts.

He said: “There will be discussions about what is happening in our communities, with job losses and service cuts – it’s like society is crumbling around us.”

The meeting, organised by Blackburn and District Trades Union Council, takes place at the Windsor Suite, in King George’s Hall, at 7.30pm on Thursday.

Thousands of leaflets have also been distributed.

There will be speeches from representatives of leading trade unions, including Unison, Unite, the PCS and National Union of Students.

Protest singer Alun Parry will also perform.

The meeting comes as Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council prepares to set its budget for the next financial year, which is expected to include cuts of £29million.

Bosses admit front-line services will be affected after ministers slashed the grants to town halls.