by Paul Francis

Jobs look set to be lost from Kent's mobile library service as the authority moves to save money.

If the changes are agreed, 10 full-time librarians will lose their jobs as Kent County Council switches to one-man operated mobile libraries.

KCC says the job losses will not mean any reduction in the number of mobile libraries it runs and it will continue operating eleven across nearly 700 different locations.

However, new computer technology means that it can now operate mobile libraries with one rather than two people. The changes would save the council £220,000.

Cllr Mike Hill (Con), cabinet member for communities, said: "We do not want any reduction in the service. Mobile libraries are hugely popular and greatly valued and we do not want to damage them in any way."

He accepted that in some more rural locations, there could be safety issues for staff working alone and everything would be done to ensure their security.

"Clearly, that is an issue and we do take it seriously. There will be proper risk assessments carried out."

Most of the job losses are expected to come from voluntary redundancies.