UP to nine posts could disappear from Bury’s libraries in a bid to make savings of £240,000 across the service.

The proposals form the first phase of a two-year review which could see additional savings of up to £450,000 during 2014-15.

Bosses hope the loss of the nine positions can be achieved without compulsory redundancies. Bury Library will bear the brunt of the proposed staff reduction, with six posts earmarked for the axe under the first phase of library cuts.

Bury Council’s cabinet meeting, held at St Bernadette’s Parish Centre in Whitefield, approved the £240,000 phase one savings and the strategy for phase two. A report to the meeting disclosed that annual library service spending was £3.2 million in 2011-12 while registered membership of the 17 libraries borough-wide was 79,603.

Cllr Jane Lewis said: “The review was initially asked to identify savings of £90,000 in 2013-14 and £450,000 in 2014-15. The savings target has been reviewed in light of the latest financial forecasts. The review aims to generate savings of £240,000 in 2013-14.”

Phase one aims to focus on non-filling of vacancies, voluntary early retirement and restructuring. Conservative Cllr Iain Gartside said: “Obviously, it is regrettable that we have to make cuts at this flagship library in the borough.”