South Lanarkshire Council budget cut by £17.5 million

That was the task facing the council's executive committee members who finally agreed the 2010/11 budget on Monday.

While it means big cuts and price rises for many council services, it wasn't all bad news.

Many community group and gala committee members breathed a huge sigh of relief as their funding was retained.

Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: "This package achieves a balanced budget in South Lanarkshire and allows us to move forward to meet our priorities."

Money has been ringfenced for gala days across Clydesdale.

Carluke Gala chairwoman Ruby Mitchell said: "I am really pleased with this decision as we need all the funding we can get."

The Lanimer celebrations will also continue to be funded to the tune of 4,500 by the council.

Lanimer Committee chairman David Strachan said: "I am delighted that we will continue to receive direct funding from the council."

However, despite some success stories, many more services will have to tighten the purse strings.

The spring bonus for pensioners, totalling more than 2 million, was axed as was South Lanarkshire TV, on the council website.

Education was also hit hard with reduced deputy headteacher posts in primary schools and behaviour support staff in secondary schools.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.