Keep Our Assets Canterbury thinks the Christchurch City Council is risking another SERCO type situation by selling off City Care.

The council's announced it will be selling 100-percent of the maintenance company in an attempt combat its billion dollar deficit.

But spokesman Murray Horton said selling the company to a private operator could be a similar mistake to putting SERCO in charge of Mt Eden prison.

"I'm not suggesting we're going to end up with fight clubs," he said.  

"Private owners decide they want to cut costs, they'll probably lay off staff and cut back on all sorts of other features."

Murray Horton thinks its important for the council to maintain control of its works department.