A COMMUNITY service which loans out equipment to fundraising groups is facing a £25,000 budget cut.

But Burnley Council is looking to reshaping the loan scheme in a bid to save it from the axe.

The authority proposes to cut around £25,000 from the scheme, which lets community groups, residents and voluntary organisations borrow equipment for fun days, consultation events, galas and fund raising events.

Members are fighting to keep the popular community service open despite a loss of thousands of pounds and are hoping to create partnerships with local organisations to raise cash.

Simon Clayton, development officer, said the council's loan scheme had a lot to offer.

He said: "We offer everything from bouncy castles to trestle tables, PA systems to collection buckets.

"We also have a minibus which registered drivers who have passed the relevant tests can use for their community group's activities."

The well used scheme has more than 120 groups involved across the borough, many of which find it crucial for their activities.

These include primary schools, scout groups, tennis clubs, local community groups which provide activities for young people and elderly people and groups holding fundraising events who need to borrow equipment.

The council hopes that by setting up the scheme on a more independent footing, developing partnerships with other organisations and inviting service users onto a management committee, new funds could be found to improve and develop the scheme.

There will be a meeting in the town hall in March, at a date yet to be set, for all groups interested in the scheme where they will be given the opportunity to put forward new ideas.

Mike Waite, head of community and recreation services, said: "We want to hear the ideas and views of those who use the scheme about how it could be reshaped. The aim is not just to enable it to survive but to build it up and improve the service."

Anybody with any ideas should contact Simon or Mike on 01282 425011.