COUNCIL leader Stuart Caddy assured campaigners that no reduction in children's play services were being planned, during a face-to-face meeting on Burnley Town Hall steps.

But parents, volunteers and children who were carrying out a candlelit vigil were warned that that a review of the service could result in fewer full-time workers and more part-time staff. Talks were today taking place with staff who may be affected.

Coun Caddy, accompanied by other members of the council executive, told campaigners: "I understand the difficulties everyone is facing. The council as a whole is facing this year about £850,000 cuts out of a budget of £13.5 million. Burnley is sick and tired of having to face this year on year. Government SSAs (Standard Spending Assessments) don't give us enough to provide the services we need to provide."

Burnley will receive less money to spend in 2002 than it did in 1992 because the population of Burnley has decreased and so is having to make cuts across the board and is looking at all areas of service provision to see where savings can be made.

He told them the council was carrying out a complete review of play services, adding: "One thing we don't want to do is to see any cuts in the provision for children in Burnley. The review was aimed at providing play services when the children needed it. He said: "There may be a reduction in full-time staff and an increase in part-time staff. There will be no reduction inthe service for children."

They would be working on the budget process right through to next March. It was morally wrong just to increase council tax but cuts had to be made somewhere.

Coun Caddy added: "I can speak on behalf of the executive that the commitment is there for the provision of play services for Burnley." Director of community and leisure services Mick Cartledge said they were looking to make savings while still providing the same level of service.

The council's community play team employs 13 staff, nine full-time and four part-time and a small number of other staff on a casual basis.

Linda Ormonde of the PARA troops, the Piccadilly Area Residents Association, was there with her daughter Jade, 12, who attends a play scheme three times a week. She said: "We protested last year at the threat to play services and we will continue to do so."

"I welcome Coun Caddy coming out to see and speak to us. what he said was encouraging but I will believe it when I see it."

Chris Keene, chairman of the campaign committee, added: "The key is when the budget is set. we won't relax until then and will continue to put pressure on the council."