LANCASTER City Council has confirmed no jobs will be lost in its new cultural services department.

The town hall shake-up will see four departments -- arts and events, tourism, museums and leisure -- merged into one, with a director at the helm.

The merger is intended to increase resources for 'frontline' services and prove more cost effective.

Council leaders say they hope the decision will bring uncertainty to an end and have pledged to retain museum services and collections.

Cabinet Leader Cllr Tricia Heath said: "The decisions take into account the results of the consultation exercise carried out with staff as well as the comments of the Best Value Inspectors.

"This review is a major step forward in ensuring Lancaster City Council continues to deliver first class performances across its cultural services.

"The consultation exercise has been a necessary and productive one. I want to stress that we recognise we have very many skills and talents within cultural services and are committed to retaining them.

"The reorganisation includes jobs within the specialities for all existing staff. This is why we have requested a report into how we can extend salary protection as part of the council's redeployment scheme for a longer period."

A letter outlining the decisions has been sent to staff.