This is the warning from a Knockagh councillor, who claims Roads Service will be unable to fulfil its recent promise that “normal service standards” will continue to operate in the Borough if it reduces its workforce, through a process the Unite trade union describes as “cuts by stealth”.

Roads Service, which has denied that frontline services will be affected, this week confirmed that 110 vacancies will not be filled, while around 50 temporary staff will be “released”; a Unite spokesman predicted that overtime would also be cut. The closure of the agency’s Carrickfergus depot had already been announced.

Cllr Stewart Dickson told the TIMES the prospect of such a reduction in staff numbers undermines the commitment given to councillors by Roads Service that the depot closure would not affect local motorists.

“We were told that the depot was to close, but that there would be no diminution of service - there was no indication that it was seen as a cost cutting measure,” he said.

“This would be exceptionally disappointing - we want the benefit of the depot being handed over for an expansion of park and ride, but not at the expense of services to the people of Carrick.”

Mr Spiers confirmed at a June meeting of Carrick’s Building Services committee that the local depot would close to allow an expansion of park and ride facilities at the adjacent railway station, with staff transferring to Sandyknowes and Kilwaughter.

Cllr Dickson expressed concern that drastic cuts to overtime could mean a reduction of gritting during cold spells.

The Mayor, Alderman Jim McClurg, said he “cannot see how the non-filling of posts on top of the removal of the depot is going to help the people of Carrick” but acknowledged that all sections of government are “facing difficult times” and must make savings.

A Roads Service spokesperson stressed that no staff are being made redundant as a result of the decision not to fill vacant posts, none of which had ever been advertised and some of which were unfunded, or the closure of depots, while “key high priority frontline services” would be protected.

She added that Unite and other unions have been kept informed throughout the decision making process.

Roads Service employs a total of 2,043 people.