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.

Usk Town Council also voted unanimously in their meeting on Monday evening (14th October) to support the library and fight the closure.

"We've got a really good case and I'm really hopeful that we will win," said town and county councillor Brian Strong.

David 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."

A petition is running online that has gathered over 300 signatures, and there are more in the shops around the town. A facebook page has been opened for supporters to the library, with 450 using it to keep updated on the campaign.

An open meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd October at the Usk Centenary Hall at 8pm. The aim of the meeting will be to agree how the campaign is to be presented at the Usk county council consultation meeting on 28th October.