The public engagement meeting for Usk took place on Monday (28t October) at a packed Glen Yr Afon House Hotel.

Monday saw the fifth Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) public engagement meeting, giving residents the opportunity to discuss budget cuts with councillors and council officers before MCC set their budget in February.

MCC are faced with saving £23 million over the next four years.

Mayor of Usk, Alec Leathwood, said: "It was a surprising turnout, by far the biggest of the public engagement meetings.

"The public was predominantly concerned with saving Usk library, and as councillors were able to hear what the public had to say, I felt the meeting was a success.

"Usk library is so important as it's the only public service building in Usk financed by MCC. Usk library is a great place for people to meet, particularly for the elderly as it might be their only chance to socialise with others.

"The school's library is inadequate so the students also benefit from Usk library."

Monday evening saw council members, councillors and the public take to Twitter to voice their views.

Kellie Beirne, chief officer for regeneration and culture at MCC, tweeted: "Fantastic evening in Usk, loads of ideas, insights and views. Scope to make a real difference."

Paul Matthews, chief executive at MCC, tweeted: "Loads of guests in Usk tonight. The place is rammed, need bigger venues. Public care about public services."

Councillor Bob Greenland said that there is to be a community meeting held specifically to discuss a way forward for Usk library "hopefully in the next couple of weeks."