The first cut is the deepest...

LEISURE facilities in Southport are about to shoot up in cost as Sefton Council battles to combat a substantial shortfall in its budget.
Council chiefs and councillors faced a very difficult decision of how to fill a £40,000 black hole caused by recent rises in fuel and utility costs which look like they are only going to get higher.
It is to their credit that the popular Free and Active scheme continues to provide youngsters with free access to a wide variety of sports and activities this summer. Many other people in Southport however face rising charges bound to leave them furious at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch.
Right or wrong, it was a tough decision to make - and in this financial climate it looks like being the first of many.