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Budget solution found for landmarks
OPPOSITION councillors say they have found a budget solution to save all four of Fylde's at-risk landmarks.
But they have refused to reveal details of their 11th-hour rescue package and have vowed to stay tight-lipped until the matter is discussed with the full council.
The alternative budget – where members are given the opportunity to submit their vision for the next 12 months – has been submitted to finance bosses for consideration.
The opposition councillors claim it would give a lifeline to pools in St Annes and Kirkham, which are facing the axe, and allow Fylde Council to keep both Lowther Pavilion and Fairhaven Lake open.
It will now be analysed by accountants to ensure it is "robust" enough to provide an answer to the cash-crisis.
Ruling Conservative members have already passed a proposal to close pools in St Annes andKirkham to plug the council's 1m plus budget deficit.
But Coun Liz Oades, leader of the opposition in Fylde, hopes her side's plan will reverse that decision. She said: "Almost every meeting I've had in the last few weeks has been about the budget.
"We believe this will work but we are now waiting for the finance officers to come back and let us know.
"Some of the original proposals from the council will have to go ahead. They have had officers help to put together their budget for months but we've had to put together savings without their help."
Coun Simon Renwick, portfolio holder for Culture and Tourism, has called on the opposition members to reveal how they plan to help save the pools.
Coun Renwick is today set to meet with leading council figures to formulate a plan for saving Kirkham baths.
He said: "I will work with everybody and anybody to save Kirkham baths."
Organisers of St Annes triathlon, which attracts 1,500 people to Fylde, have already warned the annual event could axed.
The final decision on the cuts will be made at Fylde Rugby Club at 5pm on Monday, March 3.
People planning to go to the crunch meeting have been warned that only 100 members of the public will be able to attend.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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