BLAENAU Gwent council is bracing itself for severe budget cuts which are expected in the wake of next year's general election.

But chief executive Robin Morrison, who warned councillors of the impending cuts, said he felt the authority was in a position to tackle the problems this will bring.

Councillors pointed to good news in the area in recent months, such as the additional £35 million for the Ebbw Vale Learning Works and the 212 new jobs created at The Works site since reclamation began.

They also highlighted Marks and Spencer's move to Ebbw Vale as signs the area is bucking the national trend.

Mr Morrison said: "There's every indication, whoever is in charge, there will be severe cuts."

However, he added: "I think this council is ready to take on this challenge we're going to face."

At a meeting of the full council on Thursday, concerns were raised that while the corporate improvement plan for 2008-2012 set out ideas for dealing with issues in the future, there was no contingency plan for helping people struggling right now.

Council leader Des Hillman said the plan includes annual reviews and updates, allowing it to be adaptable and to help people feeling the pinch, a 'Beat the crunch' fair is being held in Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre on November 12.

Groups and organisations will be going, offering advice on issues including debt management and access to benefits, as well as training groups, to help people back into work, and employers from the area who are recruiting.