Opening hours at libraries across the area are set to be cut as Devon County Council seeks to make savings of £850,000 in the annual cost of the service.

The authority said all 50 of the county's remaining public libraries would survive and a £10 million investment programme continue. However, following public consultation, opening hours were likely to be reduced and staffing 'efficiencies' introduced.

The proposals are due to be discussed next Wednesday by members of the council's cabinet.

Newton Abbot Library, which is undergoing a £3 million redevelopment project, would have its opening hours reduced from 46 to 43.

In Teignmouth, where a refurbishment is planned, the cut would be from 43 to 38.

Dawlish Library, which has recently been completely revamped, would reduce its hours from 37.5 to 33.

In Bovey Tracey the figures would be down from 28 to 21, Ashburton 22 to 15, Chudleigh 20.5 to 15, Buckfastleigh 22 to 15, Kingskerswell 22 to 15, Chagford 8.5 to 6 and Moretonhampstead 11.5 to 6.

Kingsteignton's 21 hours would remain unaltered.

Cabinet member Cllr Roger Croad said: 'We are committed to keeping our libraries open and have the public's support to do so.

'However savings do have to be made, which is why we are already taking necessary steps to minimise costs where we can, including a review of our current opening hours.

'We know when people most prefer to use their libraries and are proposing new opening hours to accommodate this.

'In some cases communities will see their libraries' opening hours increase. Where libraries will see reduced opening hours, we will implement time tables to reflect when most people use them.'

The new hours, if approved, would be phased in from September.

In Cullompton, East Devon, opening hours are set to increase by nearly 50 per cent.