A CULL in lifeguard cover at swimming pools is among a £1.8m cuts package proposed by Sefton Council.

Councillors were tonight (Thursday) expected to rubber-stamp the savings as part of its bid to address a £38m deficit.

The proposals include:

Reducing lifeguard cover at “low-risk” periods at swimming pools, saving £70,000 a year.

An inflation-busting 20% rise in the cost of cremations, to £600. Mourners face a 10% hike in the cost of interments and grave purchases.

Scaling back the road maintenance budget by £400,000 over three years, plus a £50,000 saving from grass verges being trimmed less.

The axing of a key Southport park and ride route on Saturdays. The Fairways service would be scrapped to the frustration of motorists, saving £15,000.

Pulling down the borough’s hanging baskets, saving £30,000.

Closing the Southport tourism information centre and relocating it inside the yet-to-open Southport cultural centre.

In a fortnight, plans to scrap the borough’s tourism service and increase fees to sports teams could be given the green-light following a consultation.

Chief executive Margaret Carney said: “The council has to produce a balanced budget and therefore difficult decisions are required.

“Where possible mitigating actions have been identified which reduce the potential impact.”