Public services are to be axed and up to 1000 jobs put at risk as Scotland’s fourth-largest council considers plans to save at least £55m in the next two years.

North Lanarkshire Council's budget saving options include removing community wardens and reducing homecare posts, cutting free fruit for primary school pupils and introducing car parking charges on council properties.

The review identifies savings on full-time jobs worth around £24m across the workforce, more than its original £20m target in that area.

The SNP claims more than 1000 jobs could be lost if the package of cuts goes ahead.

The Labour-controlled council's draft efficiency savings report reveals it is looking at options including charging contributions for music tuition, increasing charges for community alarms and garden assistance schemes as well as reviewing council staff working hours.

The 36-page report will be discussed by councillors on Thursday, September 9, ahead of a public consultation on the cuts.

Officials believe the council will need to make savings of at least £55m during the next two financial years and has outlined potential savings of more than £70m to give flexibility for the years after that.

Council leader Councillor Jim McCabe, Labour, said: “North Lanarkshire Council did not put itself in this position, but we have to deal with it.

“Over the years we have invested heavily in North Lanarkshire but we are now faced with making extremely difficult decisions. I asked the chief executive and his team to put together a package of potential options for savings and they make for painful reading.

“But I am determined that we will give as many people as possible the chance to have their say before we take what will be big decisions. I am also determined that we protect the key services needed by our residents.”

Councillor Richard Lyle, leader of the SNP opposition group, described the cuts as a “disaster” for the North Lanarkshire economy.

He said: "The severe job cuts being proposed are far deeper and damaging than the council's previous optimistic appraisal that stated job losses would be minimised through the deletion of unfilled posts, natural wastage and retirement.

"Not only will the cuts result in major job losses, but also the council are set to hit the most vulnerable in the North Lanarkshire area by proposing charges for certain services that were previously free including a charge for the Community alarm system.

"We will be working to protect front-line services and jobs in North Lanarkshire in line with the Scottish Government's pledge to avoid compulsory redundancies.”

He said if all options are taken by the council 1173 jobs will be lost, equivalent to 8% of the total workforce. This includes 565 posts which are currently vacant and the council has said it hopes compulsory redundancies will be at a minimum.

Additional reporting by Jamie Borthwick