ONE of the most popular local sports events is facing the axe because of potential budget cuts by Waverley Borough Council. The Waverley-run inter-town sports competition could be one of the casualties of a budget review which has recommended the removal of Waverley's sport development officer's post. If the £25,000 post is made redundant, it would signal the end not only to the inter- town sports, but other popular events such as the Mayor's Challenge Day and Waverley's involvement in the Surrey Youth Games. It would also impact upon the various Waverley sports development initiatives which take place in local schools and clubs. The possible cut, which has been recommended by the portfolio holder for sports, is part of a wider review of all council services to identify savings across the range of Waverley's portfolios. The recommendation and its implications were discussed at a recent meeting of Waverley's environment and leisure overview and scrutiny committee. "The low government settlement has meant a real squeeze on all local authority spending," said Waverley's director of environment and leisure, Peter Maudsley. "It has been an extremely tight year and we are already very thinly staffed for these specialist areas. Obviously we will do as much as we can to minimise the effects of the reduction, but there is no doubt these will have direct effect on service delivery." The inter-town sports competition, held in April, has become one of the most popular sporting events on the local calendar. Over the years it has attracted large crowds and celebrity judges to watch residents from Haslemere, Farnham, Godalming and Cranleigh compete in a wide range of sports for a coveted trophy. The recommendation prompted strong criticism from members, who said that it conflicted with Waverley policy to promote youth services. "The public's view from this will be that we've lost all interest in sports," said chairman Richard Gates. "It's a great shame, when we should be doing a lot for young people, that something like this could happen - the very thing which will affect them most. We must put across the idea that we believe in (sport services) but that we are strapped for cash." John Sandy added that the community at large would be affected by the cuts and not just young people. His sentiments were echoed by Pam Hibbert. "It is deeply regrettable that these particular posts are considered appropriate for elimination," she said. "Whatever the final decision, we would ask that every effort is made to continue the service provided by these people. If they were to go and more money was to become available in the future, we should reinstate them as soon as possible." The matter will be discussed by Waverley's executive committee on February 7.