The Big Society Network has cancelled a series of town hall meetings after the first event was marred by anger over spending cuts.

The first event, which was held in Stockport, Greater Manchester, was disrupted by shouting from participants who used the event to complain about public spending cuts.

The Network has now decided to cancel the tour, which was to have at least ten town hall meetings, and replace it with 15 consultation events, to be delivered with partners such as v and BTCV.

Separately, the Asda Foundation and the Cadbury Foundation have been named as partners for the Big Society Network at this week’s Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.