More than 470 full-time jobs have been shed at cash-strapped Walsall Council over the last year, it was revealed today.

Hardest hit were schools and children’s services, which have 349 fewer full-time posts, and social care, with a staffing decrease of 259.

The figures follow a recruitment freeze and a host of other cuts across the authority in the last year as it looks to save £13.4 million in 2009/10.

The announcement comes after it was revealed last month that 450 Walsall Council workers had bid for voluntary redundancy, but just 19 were let go.

Council leader Mike Bird said the reduction in staff was a sign of the difficult economic times.

“We have had a massive downturn in income, with more than £1m less than expected coming into the planning department alone,” he said.

“It is not nice to do, but at the end of the day, council staff need to know it’s a big bad world out there and we are a big organisation that has to deliver services.

“I think we’ve reached the bottom of the slump now, but it will be a long and slow recovery.

The Tory group leader added: “Put simply, if we are struggling for income, we need to reduce staffing.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to do this through the non-replacement of staff without making large numbers of people redundant.

“Wherever possible, we are looking at technology to carry out certain tasks instead of bodies.”

Although some departments saw an increase in staff, the number of full time posts currently filled overall at the council has dropped from 8,134 at the end of March 2008 to 7,661 at the same time this year – an overall decrease of 473.

Savings will also be made by axing Walsall Illuminations for the next three years, increasing parking charges and putting up the cost of Meals on Wheels.

Other measures have included closing libraries on Mondays and a reduction of opening hours at recycling centres.

A separate plan to save £37,000 annually by closing the Grange Golf Course – the borough’s only municipal course – was put on hold this week.

Prices have been in-creased at the Broadway course as bosses look to find a way of keeping it open permanently.