A CAMPAIGN group set up to save Usk Library from budget cuts has been successful in protecting the library for the budget year 2014/15.

The Save Usk Library group was assured that the library would remain in its current situation for the next financial year.

It is hoped that the group will be able to work with Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) to create a sustainable model which wouldn't be threatened by future cuts.

Deputy Cabinet leader, Councillor Bob Greenland, gave a statement at the budget meeting last Wednesday (18th December) about Usk and Gilwern library. He said: "We are continuing to engage with both community groups. I went to a meeting last night with the Save Usk Library group, we had a very good chat.

"I feel that we can bring forward a sustainable model for both groups and I want to ensure Usk and Gilwern that the libraries will continue the way they are until new models are brought forward."

Julie McGowan, action group leader of Save Usk Library group, said: "We were told at a meeting with representatives of the county council that MCC had taken several things away from the last public meeting, including the fact that lots of services had already been taken from Usk, the distance between Usk and other towns and, most importantly the need to have access to the full range of library resources, including computers.

"They then told us that they had been able to achieve budget cuts without affecting Usk library for the next financial year and therefore Usk library will remain in its present form for another year. Added to which they are looking at putting a One Stop shop back in Usk, even if only for one day a week.

"The year's reprieve means that we have now been able to reach an agreement to work with the county council to look at a sustainable model - hopefully of creating a 'hub' for all services - which will not then be threatened by cuts and changes in the future."

At the Special Cabinet meeting last Wednesday, Cabinet agreed to release the budget saving proposals for 2014/15, all proposals are available online for public viewing.\The proposed budget would see education spending protected and social services spending increased. Proposed savings include considering consolidating tourist information and cultural attractions, switching off streetlights in certain areas between midnight and 5am, further reducing office accommodation, reviewing overtime arrangements and creating a cost neutral waste collection service.

The budget also assumes an increase in council tax of 3 per cent. There will be opportunities for the public to discuss the budget proposals at public engagement meetings at the start of the year before MCC makes its final budget in February.

Cabinet leader, Councillor Peter Fox, said: "We are working at producing a better income from our tourist attractions and leisure centres and have embraced collaborative working with a range of initiatives around Gwent and beyond. But the unexpectedly high level of savings that we must make for next year is forcing us to look further.

"We are determined to adopt innovative approaches to maintaining as many services as we can, but I know that some of what we propose to do – especially around street lighting and litter picking – will be more visible to people in their day to day lives than the significant back office savings that we've already made.

"I'd like to give my thanks to everyone for working so hard over the past few months. Many ideas from the public have morphed into proposals and it's now important to share the budget making process with the public again.

"This is the start of a two month journey where we will be going out and talking in depth with individuals to help close the gap."

The consultation period will end on Friday 31st January 2014 and consultation responses will be considered by Cabinet before the final budget proposals are presented to them on 12th February 2014, with a recommendation to full council to set council tax on Thursday 27th February 2014.

Public engagement meetings are as follows:

Caldicot School on Thursday 9th January from 6.30 to 8.30pm

Caldicot Town Centre on Saturday 11th January from 10 to 3pm

Chepstow School on Tuesday 14th January from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Abergavenny leisure hall on Wednesday 15th January from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Abergavenny Town Hall on Saturday 18th January from 10 to 3pm, please note this is a drop in session.

Monmouth Comprehensive School on Monday 20th January from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Usk Centenary Hall on Tuesday 21st January from 6.30 to 8.30pm.