PUBLIC sector workers' trade union UNISON has accused the Conservative administration of breaking its promise to improve services following the announcement of £1.4m cuts.

It has reacted angrily to the recent council leisure and community services committee meeting which outlined a slash in funding for a range of services.

The closure of Anerley Library, significant cuts in parks maintenance budgets and the prospect of job cuts has sparked outrage among union officials.

UNISON branch secretary Glenn Kelly said: "Within hours of being back in control of the council, the Tories said they would reverse the damage done by the Lib/Lab administration. They also stated they would improve the library service but now they are voting for cuts and privatisation which would see council workers facing the sack."

The planned cuts are part of a £10m package of cuts across the council for this year in a bid to avert a severe cash crisis caused by attempts to keep down council tax increases.

Mr Kelly added: "The council clearly intend pushing through these cuts before the election in May."

He added: "UNISON has no intention of sitting back and seeing its members' livelihoods and the services they provide destroyed.

"We will link up with the public and take whatever action is required to defend jobs and services."

Chairman of the committee, Councillor Joan Wykes said: "With regret we are having to consider unpalatable decisions across the council because of the unprecedented budget pressures next year.

"The council will be conducting market research and wider public consultation across all services to help inform the decision-making process.

"Our priority remains to minimise the impact on customers and staff wherever possible."

November 12, 2001 14:18