UNION leaders have voiced fears that key frontline staff could lose their jobs in a council ‘efficiency drive’.

Staff representatives claimed that public safety could be put at risk if councillors push ahead with plans to streamline Bournemouth’s planning, transport and regulatory services departments.

Dave Higgins, of Bournemouth Unison, said that whereas planning and transport had concentrated on reducing the number of managers, there was concern that the cuts to trading standards and environmental health would hit frontline staff.

“Five key frontline staff may be lost to save £131,000,” he said.

“We are concerned as to what the public will lose, what the cost will be to them.

“What we would like is a commitment that the frontline posts will be protected.”

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment, said staff concerns would be noted and taken into account by officers managing the project. He also stressed the council would look to reduce staff by natural wastage or voluntary redundancies, rather than by making people compulsorily redundant.

“By working together as a team, helping each other out and sharing responsibilities, there are golden opportunities for making this service even better, even if it does mean a few less staff,” he said.

Cllr Anne Filer, cabinet member for transformation, said the reviews were “very exciting and absolutely transformational”.

She said they would generate massive financial savings and provide a better way of working.

Three transformation programmes – one for tourism, one for planning, transport and regulatory services and one for environment and regeneration – were all approved by cabinet members.