Local politicians have joined forces and pledged their support to the campaign to keep Usk Library open.
Monmouth MP David Davies and Nick Ramsay AM have written to the Save Usk Library Action Group to lend their backing to community efforts to fight the proposed closure of the town’s library.
It follows a well-attended public meeting held at Usk Memorial Hall on Monday evening (7th October) when a report by Monmouthshire County Council into areas where potential savings could be made was discussed.
The local authority has been forced to consider a number of ways of saving money due to funding cuts by the Welsh Government. Closing Usk Library is one of 37 high level ideas the council believes could go towards bridging next year’s financial gap, although no decisions have as yet been made.
Mr Davies said: “Although I live in Monmouth, I occasionally use Usk Library myself and whenever I go in there it always seems to be busy.
“While I understand the need to save money, I think it would be a huge mistake to shut such a well-loved and valuable resource. Closing Usk Library would be a considerable blow to the town and the wider community.”
Mr Ramsay added: “Welsh Government funding cuts are forcing the council to make some very difficult decisions.
“I hope Usk Library will not be a casualty of the savings that have to be made as I know how strong feelings are in the town that the library must not be closed.
“I’m giving my full support to the action group.”