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Search forAmber Valley Borough Council wants whole department axed to tackle budget deficit
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 07:30
Trade union Unison has condemned Amber Valley Borough Council's proposal and one special school head teacher said the move could damage her children's education.
The 16 leisure development department posts are among 80 that the council wants to cut in an effort to plug the deficit it has forecast for 2009-10.
The department's work includes running sports training and competitions for primary schools, music festivals, school arts workshops and other extra-curricular activities.
But it will be axed if the authority's planned restructure is confirmed at a full council meeting on November 5.
Among those who could be affected by the cut are the children at Alfreton Park Community School.
Head teacher Rosemary MacKenzie said: "They have made a difference to our children, providing things like extra-curricular tennis lessons.
"Our children have severe and complex learning difficulties, some are autistic, and the coaches tailor their lessons to their needs.
"I understand that if the council has budget difficulties it needs to address the problem but we would be disappointed to see them go."
One member of staff from the department who contacted the Evening Telegraph told of her shock after receiving a letter saying her job was "at risk".
The employee said: "Everyone was called into a meeting on Wednesday and told about the problems. Hours later we received the letters.
"The public will not know that many activities that they take part in and are established will no longer take place."
Unison, which represents most of the council's 400-plus staff, agreed that the department should be saved.
East Midlands organiser Charlie Carruth said: "The department plays an important role in getting people active and healthy and works with the NHS and schools to do this.
"Everyone in the department could lose their jobs."
Council leader Stuart Bradford said proposing to axe the department did not mean the council would stop supporting sport in the borough.
He said: "I'm aware that the leisure development department is one of the areas at risk due to the restructure.
"But we will continue to improve facilities such as parks, playing fields and leisure centres to improve health and well-being."
Mr Bradford blamed the budget deficit on below-inflation Government grants.
He said its £9.6m grant for this year would increase by only 1.5% in 2009 and by 1.4% in 2010, despite a forecast for inflation to reach 5% by March.
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