WlRRAL Council’s major public consultation over spending cuts received more than 2,400 replies during the first five days.

The exercise – the second stage of the “What Really Matters” consultation on options for budget savings – allows respondents to have their say on how the council should achieve the £100m savings it needs to over the next three years.

The options could scarcely be more controversial and include switching off street lights at night, scrapping sponsorship of Tranmere Rovers, losing £2m from the “Supported People” service, ending the council’s apprenticeship scheme, reducing hours for swimming pools and leisure centres plus major cutbacks in the Sure Start children’s programme.

And while the news is grim for residents, it is even worse for the council’s workforce, 3,000 of whom have received a letter to their home warning their job is at risk.

Graham Burgess, chief executive, said: “The early responses to the second round of consultation are very encouraging.

“Thousands of paper questionnaires have been circulated across the borough to One Stop Shops, libraries and other council buildings, whilst electronic versions have been emailed and made available on our website.

“The council’s community engagement team has also been out at local supermarkets and community centres, actively handing out questionnaires and advising people about the options available.”

The options outlined were published on Friday, November 9, and form the cornerstone of plans to balance the books and secure frontline services against a background of Government cuts.

To complete the questionnaire online visit the council’s website at: www.wirral.gov.uk/whatreallymatters.

The forms also may be found in One Stop Shops, libraries and other council offices.