Medway councillors tonight approved tens of thousands of pounds worth of cuts to health services to cope with a £1.4m reduction in public health funding.

Among the services set to take the biggest hit are substance misuse services, which will have annual funding cut by £151,854, and sexual health services, which will take a £187,000 cut.

About £130,000 will be slashed from resources supporting those trying to stop smoking, and £90,000 from the budget for health visits to newborn babies and mothers.

Staffing cuts amounting to 5.5 positions will make up a further £200,000 saving, and further savings would be made from contract "efficiencies".

Consultation on the measures will now begin with staff.