THREATENED day  care centres in Wirral  could be saved without  putting up council tax,  according to opposition groups.

As Wirral's Labour-led council prepares to  push through a raft of  cuts, the Tories and  Liberal Democrats say  there are alternatives.

The borough's Tory  and Lib Dem groups  have put forward proposed changes to the  budget to accept a government grant of £1.3m  to freeze council tax.

Last month, the  council unveiled plans  to stop its sponsorship  of Tranmere Rovers,  cut 350 jobs and raise  council tax by 2% in a  bid to balance its budget.

The cabinet members agreed money-  saving measures and  cuts to services to  tackle a deficit of £39m  this year and a final  decision will be made  at a meeting of the full  council tomorrow (Tuesday).

Council leader Phil  Davies said the “disgraceful” settlement  Wirral received from  the Government had  made cuts to services  “unavoidable”.

The proposals –  which would save £42m  this year – will also see  the closure of one of  Wirral’s main day care  centres for adults with  learning and physical  disabilities – in either  Moreton, Heswall or  Eastham Day Centre –  and Sylvandale care  home, in Bromborough.

Liberal Democrat  Cllr Stuart Kelly said:  “In its budget recommendation, Labour has  got the balance totally  wrong, heaping cuts  and reductions on the  most vulnerable in society.”