Usk's new Mayor, Cllr Tony Kear, has pledged to listen to the concerns of local residents and do his best for the town during his year of office. He took over the reins of office from Cllr Jill Jeremiah at the May meeting of the Town Council and is joined by Cllr Roger Galletley as Deputy Mayor.

Since joining the council four years ago Cllr Kear has used the skills gained from his work for the Royal Bank Of Scotland to good effect on the council's finance committee. He has also been a chief spokesman for the council over the ongoing issue of sex offenders being held at Prescoed open prison camp.

Cllr Kear is a keen sportsman with Usk Athletic Club and lives in Usk with his wife and consort, Kim, and their four children.

The May meeting also welcomed three new members to the council: Jane Clarke, who has previously chaired Usk Primary School PTA and is now Bookings secretary for the Memorial Hall Committee; Harry Baker, a barrister and local resident, and local father of two Huw Mitchell, who makes it a family affair with his father Cllr Jeff Mitchell.

Retiring from the council at the recent elections were; John Harrhy, who had served on the council for more than 20 years, and had been Usk's County Councillor for 10 years; local retailer Dave Rennels BEM who had served Usk for 16 years, and Liz Fleming , who, in a recent term of office as Mayor, led the successful campaign to prevent parking charges in the town.