PROPOSALS for Bromley to share library services with Bexley have been approved by councillors.

On Wednesday Bromley Council’s executive said it would look at setting up a non-profit trust organisation to manage libraries, which would qualify for an 80 per cent relief from business rates.

However the option of reducing opening hours is still being explored.

Across the two boroughs there are currently 71 library posts, yet under the merger plans, which could save more than £2m over the next three years, only 36 jobs will be available.

Back office and management staff will be based at offices in Foots Cray while each borough will keep full control of its own watch.

A council spokeswoman said it was not considering the closure of any libraries at this stage.

The council also said compulsory redundancies might not be necessary as staff had taken voluntary redundancy.