Residents 'devastated' as libraries shut

People have expressed concern after the "devastating decision" was made to close libraries and leisure centres in a Welsh town.

Caerphilly council said it was facing a £29m budget gap over the next three years meaning "financial challenges" were inevitable.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a local resident told councillors the closures amounted to "shutting down opportunities, connections and hope for the future".

It comes after Welsh government ministers drew up plans last year to prepare for the possibility that some councils could go bust.

Ten libraries will close across the borough at the end of August under the cost-cutting plans.

Members of the public shouted "disgusting" as they left the council chamber, with one resident adding that it would "take away" opportunities from young people.

Following the decision, Caerphilly council said it would set up hubs based on a pilot model in Rhymney.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard said the library staff had seen an "almost doubling" of people visiting since the change.

Larger hubs will open in Bargoed, Blackwood, Caerphilly and Risca meanwhile smaller hubs will open in Newbridge and Ystrad Mynach.

The library closures are expected to save the council £507,000 annually.

Unison Caerphilly branch secretary Lianne Dallimore said it was a "very sad day" for residents.

She added the decision taken by the Labour-run council had "left the door wide open for Reform" at next years Senedd election.

Leisure centres have also been impacted but councillors have compromised on plans following "robust" opposition.

Cefn Fforest and New Tredegar leisure centres will remain open, but with reduced hours.

However, the leisure centre in Bedwas will close when a new site opens in Caerphilly town.

The £38m project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Cindy Beynon, who uses Cefn Fforest leisure centre, said the facility had "profoundly shaped" her family.

She added that the facility was a "sanctuary for countless families in our community".

The council's deputy leader Jamie Pritchard defended the proposals adding that the cuts were shaped by "reducing budgets coupled with a large number of ageing sites".

He said the council understood that the changes would be "difficult" for those that use the service.

The council currently operates more leisure centres than any other local authority in Wales.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has warned that funding shortfalls could "significantly impact" councils' ability to deliver essential services.

The BBC has identified a budget shortfall of at least £540m across Wales by 2026-27.

Caerphilly council saw a 4.5% rise in its funding following the latest announcement from the Welsh government.

But council leaders argued at the time that they were concerned that more was needed to prevent essential services from disappearing.

An Audit Wales report recently warned that the financial position of local government was "unsustainable" in the medium-term unless action was taken.