A report, which was leaked to a local newspaper and is believed to have been given backing by Flintshire County Council’s corporate resources scrutiny committee, revealed that the unit had been losing money for the past four years.

The print centre, which was established in 1996 for all the council’s in-house printing, including agendas, newsletters and public sector contracts, employs 14 staff.

The report presented to committee members blamed an increase in printing costs and a lack of demand for printed materials for the centre’s losses, which were forecast to be around £200,000 this year.

Flintshire County Council head of ICT and customer services Chris Guest said: "A review of the council's design and print service has been undertaken to ensure we have a cost-effective service that meets the needs of the council now and in the future. The outcomes of the review are still progressing through the decision-making process.

"The council's Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee has considered the review and at its meeting on Thursday endorsed a recommendation to be made to the Executive to reshape and modernise the service which will, potentially, put around 10 jobs at risk. Every effort will be made by the council to avoid compulsory redundancies."

A final decision the print centre's future is expected on 18 October.