Jobs threat at council

Although there has been no official confirmation, there are fears that as many as 70 people could lose their jobs.

A working group of councillors met on Tuesday night to discuss the restructuring.

No decision has been made on the way forward, and another meeting will be held at the council's offices in south Belfast later this week.

The plans involve slashing the number of meetings the council holds each month - and cutting four departments to three.

European standards

Castlereagh Council has confirmed that it is considering the partial closure of the Robinson leisure centre.

It said the pool at the centre is in need of constant repair, with tiles falling off the ceiling and its closure may be required for health and safety reasons.

It is also understood the council's golf course at Gilnahirk in east Belfast may be closed for upgrading.

However, some councillors said Castlereagh was facing wider problems because its traditionally low rates are not keeping up with outgoings such as the costs of meeting European standards on waste disposal.

The council is considering savings, which some councillors fear could lead to widespread redundancies.

Castlereagh is hopeful that the sale of its playing fields at Hydebank for commercial development will provide it with extra cash.