MEDWAY Council's controversial complaints line could be privatised under proposals which may put the jobs of more than 50 customer relations staff at risk.

The £2 million-a-year privatisation scheme was discussed in secret session. The Medway Messenger newspaper learned of the debate by chance after officers failed to tell the press about the meeting.

Cllr Geoff Juby, the Liberal Democrat leader, tried to open up the whole issue to public discussion, but was outvoted. Later he said: "I am unable to discuss any of the report or the issues as the other members voted against me.

"I think it could have been discussed in public, even though some of the financial matters might have had to be on a separate report."

If the proposals go ahead, the council's much-criticised 333333 helpline could be taken over by a private contractor.

The present staff would be transferred to the commercial operator, although a secret report to councillors warned that it will cost £500,000 a year more than the existing in-house service.

It is not clear how the service would then operate or whether the existing staff would stay at their posts.