IMPROVED security at a church which has seen a man die in its grounds may depend on how public sector cuts affect Darlington, councillors have been warned.

Councillors Jim Ruck and Alan Coultas told Darlington Borough Council on Thursday that church-goers feel uncomfortable and scared leaving St Cuthbert's Church, in the market square, after a murder inquiry was launched into the death of 59-year-old George Akers.

They asked for more security around the church to allay fears.

But councillors from the ruling group said any increase in security may be dependant on funding, with the council required to cut £22m from its £107m controllable budget by 2013, with £11m to be cut next year.

Coun Ruck told Darlington's full council meeting on Thursday: "In the past 12 months, this church has suffered some terrible things - we have had vandalism, smashed glass windows and now possibly a suspected murder.

"The organisers of St Cuthbert's Church are asking for future help with CCTV.

"I would ask that we give them what help we can. This is our parish church. It is just outside this building. It is where we live and work."

Coun Coultas added: "The parishioners at St Cuthbert's are quite often scared to leave the church after church services on an evening and walk across their own parish centre.

"The area in Tubwell Row is an area people are quite scared to walk through on an evening."

Council leader John Williams said the council had already met with police following Mr Akers' death to discuss security issues.

"Councillor (Bill) Dixon has already raised this issue with (Chief Superintendent) Andy Reddick following the murder.

"The police and council will be working together on this.

"However, we are in a world of diminishing resources, or in some cases no resources. It is what is affordable as well."

* Two 15-year-olds have been charged with the murder of Mr Akers, who was found dead in the churchyard on Saturday, June 12.