The fall of Woking: what happens after a council goes bust

Woking declared itself bankrupt in June. Now, residents want answers as care, arts and leisure facilities face funding cuts

On a clear day, the council's ambitious plan was for Woking's tall buildings to be seen from the viewing levels of the Shard in London. Residents, however, view the unfinished towers with much less pride and a symbol of the Surrey town's financial woes.

Woking borough council this week announced a sweeping package of cuts to local services, after the local authority in effect declared itself bankrupt in June, revealing a 1.2bn deficit racked up from a risky investment spree overseen by its former Conservative administration. The towers were at the centre of the problem, with cost overruns adding to vast debts.