LIBERAL Democrats are calling on Bolton Council to 'cut councillors and not services' after plans to scrap children's centres were revealed.

The group has slammed proposals to close 13 childrens' centres across the town in a bid to save £1.5million a year.

Group leader, Cllr Roger Hayes said one way to save money is to cut back on the Special Responsibility Allowances paid to certain elected members.

Council to axe 13 children's centres in bid to save £1.5 million

He said: "Whilst we understand the need to save money due to the extremely punitive spending cuts forced on local councils by the Tory government, we believe that cutting services that so many communities rely upon is completely the wrong thing to do. Especially whilst there are other areas of the council where money can be saved.

"The Labour led Council continues to pay out almost £1million every single year in councillor allowances. The Lib Dems have long campaigned on trying to reduce this through an independent review of the Special Responsibility Allowances and a reduction in the number of councillors to two per ward to save over £300,000 each year."