COUNCIL cutbacks will help fund free bus travel for pensioners, and pay for street patrols by wardens.

The drive to find efficiency savings to support key services will continue at Middlesbrough Council, promises Councillor Nicky Walker, the council's executive member for resources.

She made the pledge as the council yesterday set its tax rate for the next financial year, vowing that the council would continue to look for ways to do things more effectively to save money for key services.

Ms Walker claims £4m savings found during the past year put theCouncil at the top of the UK league for making real savings.

She said: "The important thing is that the money we save is being put to good use, directly benefiting local people.

"It is important we continue to work in this way, and maximise efficiency, so that we sustain the services which everyone relies on and keep council tax rises reasonable."

This year's budget will lead to a 4.7 per cent increase in council tax, but an extra £6m will be spent on key services.