A COUNCILLOR is claiming library services could suffer following a freeze in staff recruitment.
Bromley Council has stopped recruiting library staff in the past nine months and at present there are 15 unfilled vacancies from 170 positions.
Liberal Democrat and opposition leader Councillor David McBride said: "It is only a matter of time before this penny-pinching recruitment freeze effects the public."
A council spokesman says the freeze is because of budget problems caused by above- inflation increases in contracts, such as IT.
And there is less money coming from fines because books can be renewed online.
The spokesman says customer service is good and the council can bring in extra staff if necessary.
He added: "We are doing our best to manage resources wisely. Libraries are at the heart of our communities providing local services where people want them."
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