MAJOR cuts are set to be implemented in Hyndburn as council bosses look to make £2.1million savings this year.

Hyndburn Council said staff costs will be reduced by 25 per cent, the Cabinet Action Fund, a community spending budget, will be cut by 50 per cent and £10,000 which has previously been offered in financial support to Accrington Stanley will be axed.

The council faces finding the savings on the back of £2.6million cuts made last year. Council leader Miles Parkinson said the budget focused on front line services and included implementing a freeze on council tax and ensuring parking in the borough remains free.

Coun Parkinson said staff will be encouraged to job share and cut hours to avoid compulsory redundancies and wage cuts.

He said: “The amount given to Hyndurn by central government traditionally is being continually axed and we have to make rolling cuts like these for the forseeable future.

"The council are focused on front line services and we feel that back office savings can be made. Where staff hours may be cut we would prefer to keep hold of our employees and their experience because they make the council what it is.”

Opposition leader Peter Britcliffe said: “Front line services in our communities were affected last year. Now I fear that the townships will further suffer.”