CUTS to the library service in Torfaen have been shelved, postponing plans to make a £250,000 saving for the 2017/2018 budget and potentially stopping planned redundancies.

In line with the budget saving exercise agreed by the council, libraries in Blaenavon, Cwmbran and Pontypool were facing reduced hours of manned service.

However, a portion of money from a funding pot of £616,000 set aside for use on policies chosen by members will be used to save the libraries. A final decision will be made at the end of February.

Cllr Anthony Hunt, the leader of Torfaen council, said at the cabinet meeting: “Having listened to the comments from staff and the public, we are recommending that we won’t go ahead with the proposed saving in the libraries budget.

“I’m keen we look into the points raised in the consultation and develop a local strategy for our libraries.”

On January 5, members of the scrutiny committee voted narrowly in favour of a decision which would have seen a reduced service of four days at Cwmbran library.

Blaenavon and Pontypool were due to be reduced to two and a half days, while all three libraries using self service facilities as part of the proposals.

“As councillors who value local public services, we are in the difficult position of having to find savings, thanks to the impact of cuts from the UK Government and increasing demand on our services,” added Cllr Hunt.

“However, while council finances are still very challenging, thanks to a better than expected settlement from Welsh Government and after the careful financial management of our budgets in recent years, we are able to think again on libraries this year.”

“We will now consider further views that emerge from the joint scrutiny meeting at the end of January before proceeding with recommendations as part of our final proposals to council at the end of February.”

Torfaen's cabinet discussed the proposals and councillors supported the plans to impose the moratorium on the cuts to the libraries.

However, the future of the library service depends on forthcoming council meetings taking place next month which will decide and agree the budget for 2017/2018.

A scrutiny committee will consider the proposed budget on Thursday, January 26, before cabinet and full council meet in February.