Southminster and Wickham Bishops libraries could be axed under new plans announced by County Hall.

As many as 25 libraries across Essex could be closed with remaining ones rebranded as “hubs”, run by their communities.

Essex County Council’s 74 libraries are to go under review later this month after the authority admitted traditional library use has “collapsed” in the last ten years.

About 800 people work at the county’s libraries - which annually cost £10 million to run - and job losses have not been ruled out under the blueprints.

Among the 25 libraries facing closing are Southminster library in Queenborough Road and Wickham Bishops library in School Road.

Burnham library is likely to stay open but would have its opening hours reduced.

Maldon library would be rebranded as one of the hubs.

The move could save the council about £2 million.

Susan Barker, cabinet member for customer services, said: “Society has changed; libraries are not used by the majority of our residents.

“And of those residents who are library users, only one in five is an active library user.

“Technology has transformed how people read books and access information and entertainment, which is why we must look critically at our current library locations and respond to these changes.

“We want to introduce better library spaces where we do have them - smart, modern and comfortable – and where, for instance, you might be able to swipe in using a smart card, pick up parcels or bring your toddlers for rhyme time. We also have to make sure that we continue to offer value for money.

“That may mean some libraries are not viable. But if that is the case, we want to talk to communities about how they can become involved and run a library service with our support.”

Conservative member Mrs Barker couldn’t confirm whether any staff jobs would go.

She said: “I need those staff to be out there more, helping people, visiting pre-schools or play groups, trying to encourage them to read

“This isn’t about saving money, this is about making sure people have libraries they want to use.”

John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, said: “Particularly in the rural areas such as Southminster and Wickham Bishops they are relatively remote, it is very difficult with budgets under great pressure and you will find residents are not using the libraries as much as they used to.

“The role of libraries is changing now, and I do not think that means we should close them.

“Of course, we have got quite a good mobile service which is a way of getting to remote areas and you can then use libraries as part of other services. Essex County Council’s report is a reflection of changes in behaviour towards libraries.”

The council will begin a 12-week public consultation on November 29 and the council’s cabinet will also consider the proposals this week.

Consultation findings will be published and any changes proposed considered in June 2019.

Drop in sessions will be held at every library providing an opportunity to ask questions, complete the consultation and find out more.

Alternatively visit essex.gov.uk/libraries-consultation for further information.