BOLTON Council needs to “get on with” the job of cutting a further £43 million from its budget, according to the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

The cabinet minister, speaking on a visit to Atherton, said he believes there is “plenty of money” to be saved from local authority budgets.

Bolton Council recently signed off plans to slash a further £43 million pounds from its budget after more government cuts to local authority spending.

The move prompted the borough’s Tory leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh to ask the ruling party for a rethink at a full council meeting last month.

But speaking during his visit, the Communities Secretary said when it comes to cut backs, local councils need to “get on with it.”

He added: “We know from (shadow Chancellor) Ed Balls that if Labour were to win there’s no more money, so I suggest they look at sharing some of the services with the joining authorities, they can have joint chief executives and look in terms of improving their procurement.

“There’s plenty of money to be saved and frankly they need to get on with it.

“I would say to them get with the programme, look towards protecting the front line, look for greater efficiency and do your best.”