By Jenny Barwise

Published at 11:44, Friday, 09 November 2012

Around 140 people have given their opinions on Copeland council’s major cost-cutting plans which would see a number of venues close.

Jamie Reed

The authority started its consultation last month into plans to close amenities around Whitehaven - including the Beacon museum, Civic Hall and tourist information centre - in a bid to save £2.6 million from its budget by 2015.

The council will hold a series of events at the end of the month – dates have not yet been finalised - to offer advice to communities and individuals who are interested in taking over the running of any of its threatened services.

And Copeland MP Jamie Reed has also organised a public meeting to talk about the cuts. It will be held at the civic hall next Friday at 7pm.

The MP said he will talk about the austerity cuts facing Copeland and discuss ways in which the community can work together to help. The council must save the money after having its budget cut by the coalition government. It is also proposing to cancel Christmas lights and remove public flower displays. The bowling centre at Cleator Moor could also close as well as people being charged to have their garden waste collected and for doorstep cardboard and recycling collections.

Between 30 and 40 jobs would be lost. Consultation on the proposals runs until December 7, with a decision being made in February.

For details and to respond to Copeland Council’s budget consultation go to http://www.opinionsuite.com/cumbria/copeland-borough-council/

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk