BRISTOL'S economic future and international standing could be put at risk by council plans to axe funding for a key twinning project, supporters have warned.

The city council wants to halve funding of the Bristol International Twinning Association (BITA) in the coming financial year and cut it completely the year after. BITA – which is wholly reliant on the council for financial support – in turn supports all seven twinning associations in Bristol. It has been operating for 20 years and supports relations with countries around the globe.

But the council's ruling Liberal Democrat cabinet was warned last night that the decision could harm economic prospects, particularly in China.

Wallace Kwong, pictured, of the Bristol China Partnership, told councillors: "The decision has the potential to send shock waves out to our sister city Guangzhou if not managed appropriately. The relationship with China is just at the stage when the city could reap many benefits from it, given its strategic approach to economic developments.

"There is a strong need to continue to raise the profile of Bristol as an international city which is welcoming to the Chinese and will further encourage Chinese-related businesses to locate in the area."

BITA chairman Paul Dunn said: "It will be difficult for Bristol to promote itself as an international and European city if it stops all funding for twinning as proposed. Twinning is now about supporting projects, culture, education, economic development, sport and developing understanding in a complex and fractured world."

Critical statements were also submitted by groups linking the city with its twins in Germany, Portugal and Nicaragua.

Labour councillor Brenda Hugill, a former mayor, said: "To cut the funding, which is such a small sum, is short-sighted policy and shows no future vision for the city or indeed the country."

The actual sum involved is not large. It amounts to 7.5 per cent of the twinning budget, or just £3,500.

Council leader Barbara Janke said: "Bristol is committed to internationalism but must create space for new international relationships in nations with growing economies.

"Bristol is paying more than other cities for co-ordination of twinning but is generating less in terms of external investment from the British Council and others. Other core cities are racing ahead and if Bristol does not change approach we will fall behind in establishing a new generation of economically driven international relations."

Campaigners calling for more action to deal with Bristol's primary school places crisis also lobbied the city council last night.

A petition which has attracted nearly 1,000 signatures was handed over in support of the council's case for extra government funding.