CHILDREN in Swindon look set to lose out after promised playground improvement funding from government was thrown into doubt. Swindon councillors said that the government is trying “claw back” what remains of the Playbuilder scheme, a £2m government grant to refurbish 22 playgrounds in the town, if work has not already begun. At a cabinet meeting at the civic offices last night, however, councillors vowed to argue their case strongly to government. This comes after deputy leader of the council Coun Garry Perkins reassured parents only a few days ago that funding would remain intact. The meeting also rubber stamped proposals to save £4m in this financial year across the council budget. The money was to be used to fund refurbishment of playgrounds at the Twist site in Penhill, Northview play area in Highworth, Maunsell Way play area in Wroughton and Mannington Recreation Ground in Rodbourne. Coun Perkins said since his earlier guarantee that the £322,000 Playbuilder money left would fund the play parks, the situation had changed. Keith Williams, cabinet member for Streetscene, said: “At the moment the government has only asked us to suspend projects where groundworks have not commenced and to resubmit our justification for funding.” David Renard said: “The government is trying to claw back any money that they can that’s not committed. “I can assure members and the public that we’re making the case to keep as much of this money that was committed as we can.” If unsuccessful, he said the projects would have to be put on the backburner but would not be forgotten about. Labour group leader Derique Montaut said much expectation had been built up among young people. He said: “There will be huge disappointment if you don’t deliver on this particular issue.” The council also voted unanimously to pass budget cuts of £4m for this year, which includes a £1.5m cut in children’s services. The Government has reduced the main grant it gives Swindon council by £1.4m and £1.29m in capital grants. Coun Montaut questioned the sense in cutting further than necessary so early on. However, Coun Mark Edwards argued decisions had to be made now to achieve next year’s cuts, estimated to be around £11m, in time. The exact details of the cuts will be outlined in an emergency budget meeting in October. Leader of the council Coun Rob Bluh said: “It’s the new reality. “We are looking at a new platform on which all public services have got to operate.” Mark Edwards, cabinet member for finance, said: “We have come to an unprecedented place in terms of council finances.” Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet member for said: “This is the start of what are probably going to be three to five years of very uncomfortable decisions.”