THE leader of Redbridge Council has warned residents to prepare for 'inevitable' budget cuts next year - but vowed to protect vital frontline services.

Councillor Keith Prince said that funding for schools and services for the elderly in the borough will be prioritised when the new Government brings in predicted reductions of up to 15 per cent in grants for local authorities in 2010.

This could mean Redbridge missing out on tens of millions of pounds, on top of the £39 million the Government promised - but has since withdrawn - for urgently needed housing improvements under the Decent Homes Programme.

Cllr Prince said the council would have to make significant savings elsewhere in order to fill the gap.

Less vital services - such as libraries - appear to be most at risk from the cuts, but councillor Prince promised to do eveything in his power to protect the popular community facilities.

He said: "Like other local authorities across the country, we are going to face big funding shortfalls next year.

"I am determined to protect our frontline services, and we will be looking to make a large amount of the savings from increased efficiency, such as by encouraging more people to pay bills online.

"I believe the arts are of huge importance, and that includes libraries. Libraries are an extremely important resource and a high priority for me.

"We are opening a new temporary library in Seven Kings in January which shows our commitment to this.

"However, I can't make any promises about any services until we know how much we are going to get. Sadly it appears that some cuts are inevitable."

Cllr Prince said the budget cuts could force the council to use land sales to help fund its major capital projects - such as the opening of a new £20 million pool and the possible £15 million rebuilding of the Kenneth More Theatre.

He said: "Land sales appear to be the most likely way that can fund these projects, and it could mean large parcels of land.

"However this will not mean our most heavily-used allotments and carparks.

"We may have to wait a few years for land prices to go up again. We will not be carrying out a fire sale.

"Some of the capital projects will have to be put on hold until then."