SHOCKWAVES of concern swept through the town on January 17 over fears that Blackpool's cash-strapped social services department may be leaving children at risk.

A letter sent by the council's social services to all schools in the borough suggests the recent resignation of six social workers has left the remaining ten unable to cope with the workload.

It then asked teachers to "consider carefully" referring children to the department as the resignations will have "a serious effect on the number of referrals we can respond to."

The department normally receives 130 referrals per month.

And several social workers have approached The Citizen saying they feel the current cash problems could easily leave children at risk.

One worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the problems have been growing worse for months.

"There have been cash flow problems for a while now and the department has overspent by a large amount.

"The main concern is that children will be at harm and they will slip through the net because there aren't enough resources to deal with every case."

Coun Eddie Collett, portfolio holder for education at the council said he admired the honesty of the letter sent out by social services, but thought it left questions unanswered.

"The letter is pointing out a problem the department has and I think it is right they explain," he said.

"But it also says they are unlikely to be fully staffed until at least April.

"What can we do in the meantime to make sure children are not put at risk?"

But social services bosses insist no child will come to harm as a result of the move.

Executive member for social services, Coun Sue Wright says the letter is just an explanation of current staffing problems.

"The first thing we want to reassure the public is that children's safety is paramount," said Coun Wright.

"In the case of any child at risk that's referred to the child care reception team action will be taken and it will be investigated fully.

"The letter does not tell teachers not to refer any children, but it is asking our colleagues in education to only refer the cases concerning child protection.

"The letter explains the difficulties that the child care reception team are facing due to current staff issues.

"That will change by April, by when we will hopefully have recruited staff back up to the full level of 16."

Coun Wright denied the department was in a dire financial situation.

But even before these resignations it appears staff were not happy within the department.

Branch secretary for council union UNISON Tony Garnsey said staff had complained that children could be put at risk due to high workloads.

"Staff have complained that they have been getting higher and higher workloads and a grievance about conditions has already been registered at the town hall," he said.