It can be revealed that the condemned ambulance station, which was due to be replaced with single storey building will now be refurbished.

Following a question at full council by Cllr Martin Newell who asked for an update from cabinet member Ian Chandler, the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) has decided, despite having gone through a pre-planning process with the council’s planning department for a new building, to withdraw the plans on grounds of cost and the service is now looking to refurbish the existing mothballed station.

Last used 13 years ago, the station building was condemned as unfit for purpose and since then, ambulance and paramedic crews have been using a portable cabin at the back of the station.

Leader of the Conservatives Richard John was disappointed that the plans have been scaled back yet again, “every day of delay is another day of paramedics working in unfit facilities.

“While it’s a scaled back proposal, it is infinitely better than current conditions, so we hope the ambulance service will recommit to its original timetable of a modern fit for purpose station in Monmouth completed within this financial year.

Cllr Newell, whose ward the ambulance station sits in, welcomed the news that finally the “amazing paramedics and ambulance staff” will get a building that the residents of Monmouth can be proud of.

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