BURNLEY Borough Council today pledged that after-school and evening play activities will continue despite budget cuts of £43,000.

The assurance came after a detailed review of play schemes across the borough.

But staff, including nine full-time and four part-time workers, remain at risk of redundancy under a restructuring of the service and discussions have been taking place with unions.

A new proposal is for the service to be run by two full-time and 13 part-timers and some new jobs will be created as part of the plans.

Meetings are now taking place between council members, officers and members of a campaign against the proposed cuts. Members of a lobby group have held protest meetings outside the town hall, including a candlelit vigil.

Mike Waite, head of community and recreation services, said: "The proposals mean that a term-time programme of late afternoon and early play activities similar to the current one can continue. Alongside this a range of positive changes is planned."

He said the council will work with other agencies, schools and community groups to set up new term-time sessions.

There will be also be more emphasis on helping to get external grants to boost the range of activities for children.

Mr Waite added: "The council is also reviewing when and where its play sessions are run. The programmes which are finally decided will be based on clear principles and will ensure the council's work is best used to meet children's needs and boost community spirit."

The restructuring will include moving from a mainly full-time team to mainly part-time and the creation of some new posts dedicated entirely to supporting local groups who help manage community buildings.

Support is being offered to staff affected by redundancy in relation to highlighting other job opportunities.

Coun Rafique Malik, social welfare member, said: "If these proposals are accepted Burnley will continue to provide one of the largest district council play services for children in Lancashire."