THE battle for Bury has ended up before the Cabinet as the borough waits to hear if it faces another year of massive cuts.

On the eve of the Government's financial settlement, local MPs David Chaytor and Ivan Lewis have met with deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in a late bid to persuade him that Bury needs a fairer deal.

They are particularly worried that the borough's envied schools could suffer if town hall coffers are raided again.

The MPs presented Mr Prescott with a complete set of letters written by the chairman of governors at every local school, spelling out the disastrous effects of another round of cuts.

They have also sent the letters and a dossier of evidence from the council to every member of the Cabinet.

Mr Chaytor, who represents Bury North, said: "Parents, teachers and governors are adamant that Bury schools cannot take more budget cuts.

"We understand their frustrations and fears, and that is why we have been banging the drum for Bury ever since arriving in Westminster."

His Bury South colleague Ivan Lewis added: "We know that 18 years of under-funding cannot be solved overnight.

"However, we have done all we could to highlight Bury's funding plight with the relevant ministers. We very much hope that our sustained campaign over the last months will have made a difference."

Bury's financial settlement is due to be announced next Thursday, December 4.

Make Bury a cuts free zone! That's the demand from activists of Bury, Radcliffe and District TUC.

They are organising a borough-wide petition calling for an end to several years of big council cuts.

Members will be out on the streets of Bury during December and urge people to show their support.

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