SALISBURY Liberal Democrats have welcomed the council's decision not to close sports facilities in south Wiltshire but say they fear more financial trouble could be brewing.

As the Journal reported last week, the district council has found a way to meet a £1.4m shortfall over the next three years, by instituting a series of internal efficiencies, cutting arts grants and introducing Sunday parking charges.

Although leader of the Liberal Democrat group Paul Sample said he was pleased that Durrington swimming pool and Tisbury sports centre had been saved, he feared the council tax system would not fairly generate enough money to pay for facilities and services.

"I welcome the Conservative administration's announcement that there will be no closures to public facilities," he said.

"I believe the pressure brought by local people, including the demonstrations, petitions and letter-writing campaigns, has had an effect.

"The Conservatives inherited a debt-free local council from the Liberal Democrats and they have taken only a handful of years to bring it to its knees again.

"My group firmly believes that the council tax is a bad tax that is incapable of meeting the needs of local people.

"We would like to see a local income tax introduced based on the ability to pay.

"I question whether the Conservatives can genuinely find the savings that they are looking for.

"I predict even bigger financial problems next year."

But Conservative group leader Kevin Wren accused the opposition of over-reacting.

"Despite the recent histrionic comments and criticism from the opposition groups, the papers going to cabinet have shown once again the determination of the Conservative administration to ensure an acceptable budget is put to the full council for approval," he said.

"There was never any crisis.

"This is simply an annual exercise to ensure that books are balanced.

"Inevitably, we need to remind ourselves that we have to identify areas where additional and new revenue can be identified.

"I need to remind everyone that Salisbury district council is in the lowest quarter of council tax and we intend to remain so."