A row between Unison and Essex CC over the council's plans to outsource services has deepened, after a protest by staff. A battle of numbers and cameras ensued with the two sides disputing the numbers involved. Unison's regional officer claimed 230 protesters gathered outside Chelmsford Town Hall on Tuesday – and he had photos to prove it – while the council's media manager was adamant there had only been 25 people gathered outside – and the council had video footage to prove it. Unison's regional officer, Kumar Sandy, said: ‘It is shocking the council says only 25 people were gathered. It has not followed the statutory regulations on these plans. It hasn't consulted residents, submitted a business plan, or spoken to trade unions.' The council's media manager, Eleri Roberts, said: ‘Unison is crystal ball gazing and scaremongering. The union's concerns are premature.' Localgov is currently trying to aquire copies of both side's evidence.