A MEETING to discuss slashing more than £24m from the Trafford Council budget was held last Tuesday.

The meeting in Sale at the Life Centre was attended by more than one hundred people, who were encouraged to join in a 'conversation' about making 200 council staff redundant, closing most of the borough's children's centres, losing one third of school crossing patrols, slashing the budget to libraries and to some of the most vulnerable.

Labour councillor Mike Freeman who attended the meeting said some members of the public went away disappointed.

"The event in Sale was extremely well stage managed. It started out with a presentation from the leader of the council with no opportunity to directly question him or challenge him, followed by round table discussions which were overseen by a member of the council executive."

Cllr Freeman said there was no opportunity to challenge the Tories on their policy choices which he claims have contributed to the current financial situation and scant detail available in respect of the savings contribution the closure of youth centres, children’s centres, libraries would make to the overall £24m target.

He added: "It is clear the reliance that is going to be made on the voluntary sector and partner agencies will be immense and they are already stretched. Greater Manchester Police lose up to 500 police officers by the end of 2015, putting great pressure upon neighbourhood policing, the very resource the public will look to, to combat rising anti-social behaviour.

Trafford Council leader Cllr Sean Anstee said: "The format of each event is designed to encourage a conversation about the proposals and to hear as many views as possible from our residents in a constructive manner.

"There is an opportunity on each table to ask elected members or senior council officers any question an individual may have. The council is committed to a worthwhile and informative consultation process."