THE leader of Derbyshire's Tory group has accused Labour of trying to win support by "scaremongering".
On Tuesday, the county council announced plans to close two children's centres – five fewer than originally indicated by the authority's ruling Labour group.
Voters were also warned Derbyshire's entire mobile library fleet faced the chop due to budget cuts. But Labour now says two out of ten vans will remain, subject to cabinet approval.
Barry Lewis, leader of the Tory opposition, accused Labour of exaggerating the extent of forthcoming cuts so it can be seen to be saving services later on.
He also claimed cabinet members were trying to win Labour support ahead of next year's General Election.
Mr Lewis said: "Look at what they've done with nearly all the public consultations [on proposed cuts]. They paint the worst possible picture so that, at the last minute, they can pull back and save the day by doing the minimal amount of cuts.
"It is scaremongering. Every single thing they've put out in the form of press releases or media interviews has made reference to £157 million of cuts.
"It's all about the General Election. They are trying to scare people into voting Labour."
Labour leader Anne Western said Mr Lewis' comments were "absolutely staggering".
She said: "He knows what the financial position is. I think it's completely irresponsible for him to say that.
"I can't emphasise enough how much work we're putting in to find ways to make the money we do have stretch further.
"The difference between Labour and the Conservatives is we listen. When they went out to consultation [when running the council between 2009 and 2013], they had already decided what they would do."
The two children's centres earmarked for closure are in Ashbourne and Duffield.
Providing plans are approved by cabinet members next Tuesday, opening hours will be reduced from five days each week to two at ten other centres. These are in Bakewell, Crich, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Wirksworth, Arkwright, Killamarsh, Tupton, Sandiacre, West Hallam, and Coton-in-the-Elms.
The Conservative opposition accused Labour of targeting rural areas and Tory heartlands.
But Labour insisted decisions were made based on usage, cost and demand.
"Geography is neither here nor there," Mrs Western said.
