SERVICES are likely to be hit next year, as Pendle prepares for another 12 months of belt-tightening and cost-cutting.

Councillor Tony Greaves, deputy leader of Pendle Council, warned the Liberal administration was already looking ahead to 1997/98 and how they are going to balance the books without draconian cuts to services.

He said savings of £750,000 from the coming financial year's budget meant services had not been hit.

"Whether it can happen again next year is a different matter," he warned.

"The likelihood next year is that there will be cuts in services."

He said Pendle was unique in Lancashire in planning its budget 12 months in advance and work would start soon on looking at more cost savings.

Council leader Alan Davies predicted: "I am afraid I can see no immediate prospect for improvement and this budget sets the scene for further work to be undertaken.

"This will ensure, as far as is possible, a budget for 1997/98 which will not result in draconian cuts in service.

This year's budget will provide a £1 million sports complex in West Craven, a £417,000 refurbishment of Colne Municipal Hall and £230,000 for an all-weather pitch in Colne.

The council also plans to start investing its Single Regeneration Budget cash in programmes worth £2.3 million in the first year of a six-year scheme.

It also includes, over the next few years:

Five new business parks.

The creation of 375 new businesses.

Almost 50,000sq metres of new business and commercial space.

Numerous new training and community projects.

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