Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger gives his views on some of Somerset County Council's planned budget cuts.
· Library services: “If everyone in Sedgemoor used Bridgwater Library, it wouldn't be a problem but only about one in five do. We need to save money.”
· PCSOs: “They have been doing a brilliant job and they are an integral part of the community.
“I take my hat off to them and I am concerned about the fact there will be less of them but I don't know if it will affect Sedgemoor.”
· Road safety initiatives: “We must continue funding for it. We pay a small percentage of it as a county and it does save lives.“I would have serious concerns if a live-saving service was cut.”
· Bridgwater Arts Centre: “We have the oldest arts centre in the country and I am extremely concerned by this.”
· Footpath maintenance: “I think it can be cut. It's a convenience we can do without.”
· Special education needs: “I have had Government meetings on this and there should be no cuts to special needs budgets.”
· Bus subsidies on key routes: “I have been told that there may not be cuts. They are merely looking into this at this stage.”
· Bus subsidies for students: “I am looking at the student bus pass situation as a matter of urgency. I am concerned for the 18,000 students in the college.”
· Road maintenance: “Road maintenance is completely overstaffed.”On the other hand, I am worried about roads with holes. They are dangerous. There are a number of small roads we do need to look at.”
· Adult social care: “It's a very complicated area. It's not just for people with problems at home; it's all sorts of aid. The Government wants to streamline the service so people can get the care they need.”
· Overall view: “There are things we can afford to lose so we can keep the much more important services.“It's going to take a lot of hard work and affect a lot of people and we will need to work together. I will do what I can to help.”
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