The £750,000 refurbishment of Monmouth Ambulance Station has been completed and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service to prepare for operational service, the Beacon understands.

The complete refurbishment of the old station, which was closed indefinitely in 2013, includes a new roof and gives paramedics and ambulance staff a proper base in Monmouth once again.

The news has been welcomed by four local county councillors who had campaigned for the ambulance station to be renewed.

Councillors Richard John and Jayne McKenna (Mitchel Troy and Trellech), Jane Lucas (Osbaston) and Martin Newell (Town ward) have expressed their delight at the completion of the project.

The new facility has been designed to improve operational efficiency for ambulance crews, better accommodation and vehicle access, resulting in faster and more effective emergency care for residents.

Cllr Richard John said, “We are delighted that after years of campaigning, this new station is finally going to be operational.

“It was a disgrace that paramedics were forced to operate out of that dingy portacabin while the old station sat there empty.”

Cllr Jayne McKenna said, “While it’s fantastic to see this project completed, it still feels like a missed opportunity that plans for an integrated emergency services hub shared between the police, ambulance and fire and rescue services were dropped due to cost.

Cllr Jane Lucas commented, “This new station is great news for our paramedics, but also for the wider public. It’s about time we saw some investment in Monmouth’s infrastructure. Well done to all those who have worked on the project, including through quite challenging winter weather.”

Cllr Martin Newell said, “The completion of this station is a positive step forwards for Monmouth. It provides a modern base for crews and finally gives ambulance staff the efficient, modern facility and the respect they deserve.”