RIBBLE Valley Council has slashed £1.6million from its budget — but is set to avoid making any compulsory redundancies.

Council leader Mike Ranson said the future would be tough but the authority had been “prudent” and had been ”preparing for some time.”

Cuts include stopping a £19,000 grant to support the Roefield Leisure Centre and scrapping four apprenticeship places saving £80,000.

A £19,000 grant for the homeless will also be withdrawn.

Town hall bosses said four director posts had been reduced to three under a management shake-up last September, saving £150,000.

Funds had also been saved by “critically reviewing” vacant posts.

It comes after it was announced the axe would fall on 1,000 workers at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Coun Ranson said: “Like all other local authorities, Ribble Valley Borough Council has seen a large reduction in financial support from the Government, but this reduction was inevitable and we have been preparing for it for some time.

“We have, therefore, been able to recommend a budget to full council that proposes a council tax freeze, with no reductions in services to residents and no compulsory redundancies, while maintaining our support for charitable and voluntary organisations.

“This is down to strong financial discipline, prudent management and a committed and dedicated workforce.

“The council has never relied on Government handouts to fund services and we know times ahead will be tough, but this budget continues the work started earlier this year to transform the way the council delivers services to Ribble Valley residents.”

The council will increase court summons fees from £50 to £60 and increase fees for hiring out the council chamber, bringing in £1,000.

Council tax on a Band D property will remain at £140.69 a month, the lowest in Lancashire.