Arts could be axed in budget cuts

Funding for arts and tourism projects in Derbyshire could be cut to make up a £2.5m budget shortfall, according to a council report.

Earlier this month, Amber Valley Borough Council said up to 80 posts may have to go to help balance the books.

The report has recommended funds be diverted away from what it refers to as high cost/low use services.

Services such as waste collection and recycling, town centre improvements and leisure facilities, will be protected.

Union criticism

The report, which will be considered by councillors on 5 November, could see 16 posts in the leisure development department being cut.

It also puts a question mark over the future of several tourist information centres.

But councillor Stuart Bradford, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, insisted the plan would protect vital areas.

"We want to focus our resources on maintaining the services that the public expect us to deliver such as street cleaning, refuse and recycling and parks and open spaces, while at the same time keeping council tax low."

Unison has condemned the job losses, saying the budget deficit should have been better managed.