Children's department recruitment freeze.

LIVERPOOL City Council has introduced a recruitment freeze across its children services department, including youth workers, in an attempt to claw back a projected pounds 3.8m overspend.

Last night the issue sparked a row between the Liberal Democrat administration and the Labour opposition.

An exception has been made for Croxteth in the wake of the shooting of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, and work is under way to recruit a new senior youth worker.

Cllr Colin Eldridge, executive member for youth services, defended the city's record in youth services.

"We're the only council in the country which gives every young person free access to all its leisure centres.

"Our street mates scheme is making a real difference by providing role models to encourage teenagers not to get involved in gang culture."

The freeze was part of a package of savings passed last autumn in an attempt to stop the department plunging into the red.

Labour councillor Cllr Rose Bailey, who represents Croxteth, said: "While the police and voluntary organisations are doing their best to offer alternative projects, this decision goes against all our work to help teenagers get off the streets."

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Cllr Colin Eldridge