PENDLE Council is asking residents to help them save money – by coming up with ideas for where to cut back.

The council needs to chop £4.7million from its budget over the next two years and has launched its ‘Savings Challenge’ to get ideas from residents on how to save money.

Council officers are already identifying ways to tackle the funding gap while trying to maintain vital frontline services for residents.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Although the council is well run and efficient, the growing gap between our income and expenditure means services will inevitably be affected as our income continues to reduce. We could see up to a 60 per cent reduction in government grant which means we’re facing a severe financial squeeze.We want to continue to provide the same level of services to our residents but we have to take some tough decisions.

“That’s why we want people to have their say so that we can continue to work together and make savings in the best way possible – balancing our books while protecting key services for our residents.”

Coun Linda Crossley, who oversees the council’s finances, welcomed the opportunity to listen to residents’ views.

She said: “Suggestions may be small-scale or can involve significant changes to how we work and the services we provide.

“You can be radical, creative and imaginative but you must be specific so that we can look into your idea closely.”

The council has pledged to look at all of the submitted ideas. If they are practical they may be considered at the executive meeting in February.

But only ideas on spending decisions that can be taken by Pendle Council will be considered.

The Savings Challenge is running from tomorrow until December 20.

To submit an idea, go to www.letusknow.org.uk/ savings2013.