WHAT can we hope for in 2015 in Pembrokeshire? Can we hope that the problems facing the county council will be resolved amicably?

Can we hope that the vast savings necessary will start with an agreed effort by councillors to look at themselves?

Do we really need two deputy leaders each earning £35,000+; do we really need so many cabinet members (all from one group) each earning £25,000+; do we really need so many chairs of committees each earning £20.000+?

Changes at that level could save almost £100,000 per year thereby enabling our libraries to keep open without any change to the hours.

Changes at that level would mean that community councils – which have little authority and money – could be seemingly “coerced” to funding the library service at its present level.

What do I fear if radical decisions are not implemented?

Money has to be saved and the major budget headings are education, social services and staff so we could see major changes in these areas in the next few years unless the Welsh Assembly becomes more efficient but the past does not augur well for the future.

I fear we could see a return to the statutory years of education from five years to 16 years which would mean the end to nursery education for the under 5s and some further cutbacks to 6th form education which has started already.

I fear social service provision could be further cut especially in care for the elderly with some services moved to the health service.

I fear some manpower cuts at County Hall. Already this is happening at some senior officer levels so it could filter down into lower officer levels.

And so it could continue, I fear.

JOHN COLE

Westhill Avenue

Milford Haven