A WELSH Assembly elections candidate has written to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board to express her concerns about Chepstow’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Catherine Fookes, Labour AM Candidate for Monmouth Constituency has written to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board to express residents’ concerns about the lack of a Minor Injuries Unit in Chepstow. She’d like to see the Chepstow MIU reinstated to serve the needs of a growing community.

In her letter, Ms Fookes reminded the Board that in 2013 residents presented them with a 2,500 signature petition. But the matter has still not been addressed, and it has not gone away. Chepstow residents often raise this issue with the Labour candidate when she is on the campaign trail in the area.

Ms Fookes noted that, since the unit closed in 2011, people with minor injuries have to travel 20 miles to the Accident and Emergency department at the Royal Gwent in Newport, or 29 miles to the one at Nevill Hall in Abergavenny. She is concerned that public transport for either of these journeys is limited and taxis would cost about £30 in each direction. The only other option is to call an ambulance, but this diverts an already stretched resource.

In her letter she said: “Chepstow residents are extremely angry about the lack of a Minor Injuries Unit in the town. Chepstow is growing fast and much new housing is planned. We cannot expect anyone, especially older people or those without cars, to take a £60 taxi ride if they have a minor injury. I urge the Health Board to take steps to reopen the Minor Injuries Unit as soon as possible."