ANOTHER bout of strike action could be looming at Hampshire's libraries if the county council pushes on with restructuring plans.

More than four fifths of Unison library workers polled in a recent ballot voted to continue industrial action over the plans that will see 27 out of 60 librarian posts cut across the county.

The plans, which earlier this year led to two strikes by library staff, will also see a further 17 posts downgraded to library officers jobs as the council strives to save cash.

The recent ballot was called by the trade union after bosses at Hampshire County Council put what they called a final offer on the table to workers, saying it was the best they could do.

Council leader Ken Thornber's offer included introducing a new grade of 'advanced library officer' that would mean some workers due for a money-reducing demotion to 'library officer' would not lose so much money.

Unison members, however, promised to keep up their unofficial campaign against the cuts by taking to the streets during their lunchtimes to collect names on a petition.