WORKERS at South Lakeland District Council have been asked to step forward and take voluntary redundancy or early retirement as bosses try to bridge a £1.8million shortfall.

Wage slips dished out to staff this week contained a letter seeking volunteers for redundancy, retirement and flexible working hours.

It is one of a series of cost-cutting measures being proposed by the council to recoup cash.

And to help it face the problems ahead the council this week advertised for an assistant director for resources and a corporate director for corporate vision and strategy - which would potentially cost taxpayers a further £138,294.

Peter Ridgway, Chief Executive of SLDC, said: "In common with many councils across the country, SLDC is facing some serious financial challenges.” He added that proposals still had to be formally discussed and approved by members - which will get underway next week.

“Detailed meetings with managers are being held to identify savings and cost cutting measures. Many ideas have been put forward and are already being implemented.

“Inviting expressions of interest is only one of many cost reduction options before the council at present.”

He said the council had started a restructuring process by reducing the senior management structure to help the council "face" future challenges.

He added that the posts recently advertised are "crucial" to the process.”