THE leader of St Helens Council has vowed to “protect and invest” key services – despite having to make £20.6 million of savings up until 2020.

In a private speech to councillors following the annual council meeting, council leader Derek Long set out numerous key pledges to make St Helens a “beacon” to other boroughs.

Among them was to invest £1.5 million in school crossing measures, although how this will affect the axed school crossing patrol service is unclear at this stage.

The West Park ward councillor also vowed to protect the Ranger Service – something that has previously been under threat.

Earlier this year a public consultation took part on the future of the service, with the finding set to be presented to cabinet.

Cllr Long also assured members the council has “never” had any plans to sell off its parks in St Helens.

Addressing colleagues, who he described as “stewards of the communities of St Helens,” Cllr Long said the council will support, protect and invest in a number of services that residents care about.

“As councillors we are elected on our pledges and that we deliver those pledges,” she said.

“We have pledged to attract more businesses into the borough, invest £1.5 million into school crossing measures, while protecting our parks and Rangers Service, and investing in our roads.”

Cllr Long also said £2.5 million will be invested to improve the borough’s roads.

While the council leader made numerous pledges, he will also have to oversee cuts as the authority attempts to save £20.6 million up until 2020.

The axe has fallen on the school crossing patrol service, with the annual events budget facing the chop after this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on.

The council is also considering introducing a pilot for three-weekly brown bin collections, which should save the authority £1.4 million over seven years.

A council tax rise of 5.99 per cent was also introduced earlier this year.