PLANS to hand over control of Wirral’s parks and countryside services to a private company have been given the go ahead by the council.

The authority hopes to save millions of pounds a year by taking on a private organisation to maintain parks, cemeteries and countryside services.

But the measure was condemned by the union representing the countryside staff and former council leader Steve Foulkes said the current administration had failed to consult properly on the plans.

He was also critical of the decision not to allow an “in-house” bid for the contract.

Wirral Council’s cabinet – led by the Tory and Lib Dem coalition – pressed ahead with the plans despite a show of opposition from Unison members.

The services included are parks, municipal golf courses, cemeteries and crematoriums, rangers, beach lifeguards, allotments, maintenance of highway verges and trees and war memorials.

It could see 230 staff – including rangers – transferring to another organisation.

Councillors were told the switch could save the council up to £10m, dependent on other efficiency savings, over the next decade.