STAFF in libraries across Hampshire are preparing themselves for a second strike in two months.

If crucial talks between union members and Hampshire County Council fail this week hundreds of librarians are expected to walk out over job cuts.

The strike would be the second time librarians left their posts after a two-day strike in March saw libraries across the county forced to close.

Unison members are proposing a new round of strike action on Monday after council bosses proposed losing 27 out of 64 librarian posts in Hampshire.

A further 17 members of staff will see their wages cut by around £4,500 and the cuts are expected to save the council £1.2m next year.

Unison rep Steve Squibbs said members were frustrated at the lack of progress with the council. "We are hopeful that things are now moving," he said.

"We have made it clear to them all along that the way to resolve this dispute is to talk to us about how their proposals can be amended and a quality, professional library service maintained. We have already demonstrated our strength and determination over two days of strike action - to think we would now throw in the towel without any offer on the table is wishful thinking on their part," he added.

Librarians marched through Winchester and rallied outside the offices of Hampshire County Council during their two-day strike on March 22 and 23. Protests also took place outside some of the larger libraries and only 22 of the 52 libraries in Hampshire remained open.

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber said: "Our budget constraints and imperatives mean we have to make reductions in the library spend of over £1m.

"The county council is determined not to close libraries, not to reduce opening hours and not to continue using the materials fund to support the rest of the budget. This mean that savings must be found from the staffing budget which is by far our greatest expenditure."