SERVICES in a rural district face cuts as the local authority tries to reduce a budget deficit of more than £800,000.

A medium-financial plan carried out for Teesdale District Council has revealed the authority is in danger of being £838,745 over budget in 2006/7.

The council has said it needs to make cutbacks and a public meeting held today will hear the proposals the council intends to make.

The council intends to save £15,460 by closing public toilets, except those in Barnard Castle Galgate car park and Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The council is also proposing increasing charges in the Galgate car park.

Two public meetings are taking place today in the council chamber at Teesdale House, Barnard Castle.

At noon there is a meeting for businesses and non-domestic rate payers with the citizens' panel and parish council meeting at 6.30pm.