DORSET'S mobile library service will be reduced by three-quarters, councillors have decided.

At present the authority operates four mobile library vans, three of which serve the general public via 196 stops across the country, and one of which visits residential homes.

At a meeting yesterday Dorset County Council's cabinet voted with officer recommendations to retain the latter service and scrap the other three vans.

The authority said the decision, which will be implemented between December and March next year, was taken in light of a consultation carried out with library users and town and parish councils.

Cllr Deborah Croney, cabinet member for learning and skills, said: "These changes will help us focus provision of the mobile library service on people of all ages who cannot get to a library building.

"The consultation has given us a clear understanding of the issues and we will use this information with the local knowledge gained from the mobile library officers to work with local communities."

The authority said people who are unable to access a library due to a disability or frailty will continue to have reading material delivered to their homes through a partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service.

Also, the council says it is encouraging "community transport" to provide people with access to libraries.