THE BOSS of Blackburn with Darwen was grilled by Lancashire Telegraph readers this morning over the council's multi-million pound programme of cuts.

The council is expected to rubber-stamp the closure of Shadsworth Leisure Centre on Thursday night, while funding is set to be pulled from 16 community centres and libraries are being reviewed.

The council faces having to save £40million from its budget.

And these proposals are just the start of what could be axed.

Hundreds of readers logged on to our website today to tak part in an hour-long live web chat with Graham Burgess, the council's chief executive.

He was asked to justify the cuts, in particular to the 'well-used' Shadsworth Leisure Centre.

One woman wrote: "Shadsworth is worst hit as there will be nothing up here for the children to use, and I for one cannot travel to Darwen centre nor wish to use it as the prices are too high."

And another said she would prefer the borough's free leisure scheme to be scrapped if it meant facilities could stay open.

Mr Burgess deflected criticism of the move by saying it was the decision of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and For Darwen coalition in charge of the town hall, and promised to pass on readers' views.

He said: "I have been to the Shadsworth centre on a number of occasions but the members considered this was an area where savings could be made although I am sure everyone appreciates the value of the leisure centre."

Mr Burgess also confirmed the borough's road maintenance budget was facing cuts of £500,000 but said he was not aware of any cuts to gritting funds.

He was challenged to involve local business experts in the cost-cutting process by one reader, who criticised local councillors, saying: "Many of the people in these positions wouldn't know a balance sheet, forecast or business plan if it hit them in the face."

And asked whether the council had been 'reckless' with its money, he said: "It is a matter for members to debate the way councils use their resources and for the public to judge this via the ballot box."

Government cuts would mean 'very tough' decisions for councils, he added.

The full web chat can be reviewed by clicking 'replay' on the box below.