BURY Council is to end its sponsorship of the town’s football club nearly a decade after it began to support the Shakers financially.

Bosses have also revealed it is pulling out of the Britain in Bloom competition unless it can get “additional” backing.

Faced with making £12.2 million cuts, council chiefs have announced a three-year sponsorship deal signed in 2009 with Bury FC — worth around £160,000 — will finish at the end of the 2011/12 season and not be renewed.

In return for the financial help, the Shakers have supported the council’s aims of taking sport into the community and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The council first announced a £50,000, one-year sponsorship deal in 2002 when the club went into administration.

Councillor Bob Bibby, leader of the council, said: “We’ve been delighted to sponsor the Shakers over the years and it’s been a good deal for both sides. However, times are incredibly tough and we have to find enormous budget savings, not only this year but for the next four years.

“The club has developed into a very impressive community club and is making great progress and is once more in a strong position to challenge for promotion to Division One. We wish the Shakers every success in the future.”

Bury FC chairman Brian Fenton said: “Our long term relationship has helped to keep alive the existence of our town’s football club which has been in our community for 126 years.

“While we appreciate the difficult times we are living in at present, the club and the council have vowed to continue to help members of our community to be able to come and enjoy the family atmosphere that the club offers to its supporters by giving more than 500 free tickets per game to the community. The club will endeavour to continue the hard work put in over the past eight years between ourselves and the council to the benefit of the borough.”

Council leaders will not enter the Britain in Bloom contest in future years unless additional costs involved can be generated from an increase in support from businesses and the community. Cllr Dorothy Gunther, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “It is understandable that some people are questioning why money is being spent on this project. However, we know there are many people out there who enjoy the summer displays, and these will continue.”

Competition entry fees for Bury and Radcliffe total £235. The authority is appealing for volunteers and sponsors to come forward in the hope it can take part in the contest again.

Bury has won the best large town category for the North West in the past seven years.