VALE residents can have a big say in where the axe should fall in the county council budget, which needs to be trimmed by more than £60 million.

Taxpayers are being asked to tell the authority which county council services matter most to them when a roadshow comes to town on Wednesday.

The county council is now consulting on how to save between £60-70 million over the next four years and its Better Outcomes Lean Delivery (BOLD) programme has already identified more than £40 million in potential savings.

A series of public roadshows has now been organised so taxpayers can tell decision-makers which areas are most important to them.

Residents will get the chance to air their views at Pershore Civic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Drive on Wednesday, from 9.30am to noon.

County councillors and senior officers will be on hand to listen taxpayers’ concerns and residents will also be able to indicate what they think of current proposals on a consultation board.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the new leader of the county council, said: “The county council is in no way immune to the serious financial challenges being faced by local authorities across the country and a consequence of this is that we have to look at all our services to see if they can be delivered in a different and more efficient way.

“Our BOLD programme, which has already identified £43.5 million of potential savings, is about ensuring that despite a reduced budget we are still capable of delivering services of real value to residents, which is why these roadshows are so important.

“I can guarantee that all thoughts and ideas raised will help form part of our planning for the future.”

For further information, visit worcestershire.gov.uk.