Cuts could 'alienate' residents

The council wants to save around £5.7m in the next two financial years

A senior councillor has said he cannot support proposed council cuts in towns and villages, claiming they could "antagonise and alienate" residents.

Street lighting could be reduced, parking charges increased and some flower beds cut back to save money.

But Councillor Brian Blakeley, chairman of Denbighshire council's environment committee, said people were concerned their areas would become neglected.

The council said further discussion was needed before any decisions were made.

The proposals, which were discussed by the Environment Scrutiny Committee on Monday, include a reduction in street cleaning and grass cutting on verges and in cemeteries, as well as cuts in sand clearance.

The only thing that will be missing is tumbleweed blowing down the high street Chris Ruane MP

But Mr Blakeley said he had received dozens of letters from concerned residents about the plans.

"This would send out a message of abandonment to the towns and communities in Denbighshire," he said.

"At a time of economic downturn we should be strengthening our high streets and shopping centres, not damaging them."

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane has also voiced his concern about the proposed cuts, which are an attempt to save £700,000 from the environment budget.

He said: "With sand dunes and sand banks in our town centres, weeds growing in the high street, flower beds pulled up the only thing that will be missing is tumbleweed blowing down the high street.

"These proposals are absolutely unacceptable and must be stopped at all costs.

"The number one concern of Denbighshire residents is the poor state of the environment - if anything additional funding should be given to these services. "

Voluntary redundancies

Members of the Environment Scrutiny Committee have asked for more details on the proposals before giving their views to the council's cabinet, which will make the final decision.

A council spokesman said the proposals would be subject to more discussions before final decisions on the budget were made.

Last month, the local authority said it needed to reduce staffing costs by 10% - with some of its 4,500 workforce to be offered voluntary redundancy.

The council is consulting on plans to save an estimated £5.7m over the next two financial years, which could include cutting back on council office accommodation.

Acting chief executive, Alan Evans, has said: "We are doing everything within our power to minimise the impact on our services and our staff.

"The situation facing Denbighshire is far from unique - other local authorities are looking at similar schemes."