A SERIES of local consultation meetings, to provide Trafford residents the chance to 'have their say' on Trafford Council's draft 2015/16 budget proposals, start next week.

The proposal to save the council more than £24m includes plans to shut most of the remaining children's centres, lose up to 200 staff, cut school crossing patrols by one third, cut the budget to libraries and cut assistance to some vulnerable people who need help with shopping and ironing and hiking car parking charges.

The local authority says it is committed to making sure as many local people, businesses and other stakeholders as possible have the chance to put forward their views, observations and comments on the proposals.

The first meeting will be held at The Life Centre in Sale on Tuesday, October 28, between 6.30pm and 8pm. This is then followed by four meetings in November and a final one which is scheduled early December.

The meetings are open to anyone who lives or works in Trafford and each meeting will follow the same format.

People can attend whichever meeting is more convenient for them. After a short introduction, they will be able to discuss issues and concerns with other interested parties in smaller discussions groups.

While registration ahead of the meetings is not essential, it would be helpful for seating arrangements if people could let the council know beforehand if they intend to attend. This will also help assess whether there is a need for further sessions for over-subscribed meetings.

The remaining meetings are at:

Monday, November 10, 2014 (6.30pm-8pm)

The People's Church, Chapel Lane, Partington

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 (7pm-8.30pm)

Seymour Park Primary School, Old Trafford

Wednesday, November 19 2014 (6.30pm-8pm) Urmston Library

Tuesday, November 25 2014 (6.30pm-8pm) Altrincham Town Hall

Wednesday, December 3 (6.30pm-8pm)Victoria Park Junior School

Council Leader Cllr Sean Anstee, urged people to take the time to get involved, saying: "Without doubt constructing the budget proposals for 2015/16 has been incredibly difficult.

"We are going to have to make some extremely tough decisions, but are determined to make sure that we do this after taking into account the views and concerns of those who will be directly affected by the decisions."

People needing further details about the council's consultation process, how to submit their views, or to register for one of the consultation meetings should do so at www.trafford.gov.uk/budget.

Anyone who can't attend these meetings, but still wants to give the Council feedback on the budget proposals can fill in the Online Feedback Form or download a printable version and send to Reshaping Trafford Council, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH.