Libraries and street cleaning cuts saved under Walsall Council opposition plans

The previous ruling Conservative party would save Streetly and Pheasey and seek other organisations to run some similar facilities.

However, council workers would see their hours cut in a bid to save £5.5m next year as part of the alternative budget proposals.

A final decision on the budget is being made tonight with the controlling Labour group putting forward proposals to help save £29m.

They need to save £85m over the next four years and there are plans to close libraries and children centres.

But the Tories are proposing an alternative budget which will see Streetly and Pheasey reprieved from closure.

There would be consultations with Beechdale Community Housing to run the area's base and South Walsall transferred to Delves Tenant Management Organisation.

There are currently planned £226,747 cuts to the street cleaning service, which sweeps footways, remove graffiti and clears bins. But the Tories are not proposing a reduction to street cleaning.

Although workers face their hours being cut by around two-and-a-half hours a week, in a move which will save millions but also secure jobs.

A reduction in union facility time would also see a net saving of £170,00 and further cuts relating to senior management.

Conservative group leader Mike Bird said: "We are in difficult times with little manoeuvrability but there are only two things we can do to reduce the overhead or increase income, these proposals are a mixture of both.

"These alternatives show a vision for the future with a pledge to secure as many jobs as possible by reducing wage costs"

Thousands of people have already objected to moves to close Pheasey, Beechdale, Walsall Wood, Walsall South and Streetly libraries from July. Three others in Rushall, New Invention and Blakenall could go afterwards.

The Lib Dems have also put forward an alternative budget. Its includes the launch of town councils at Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston and Willenhall.

It will mean means greater involvement from communities, giving them a bigger say in what people want in their area.

Following a consultation period, Labour has already dropped some of its own proposals which included introducing parking fees in district centres. Plans to cut funding to community associations have been axed under some of the changes.