SIR,

While the population of Monmouth has expanded, the ambulance service has not, apart from a rapid response vehicle which may be absent at times.

The 8,500 people of Monmouth are not protected, but neglected.

Speaking as someone whose family has been tragically affected, I want the vulnerable to be protected.

Last year the weather became particularly bad and waiting times went up dramatically. This affected many people in Monmouth.

It is crucial that response times improve this winter. Letters to the AM, PM and others have had little or no effect in reality.

I would urge everyone affected by the poor response times of ambulances to do two things.

Firstly, to contact the ombudsman for Wales, and lodge a complaint with the service they have received.

This is an independent organisation which will process your complaint and perhaps lead to reforming the services we receive.

Secondly, could concerned residents attend a public meeting I am organising in December.

We can apply more pressure on the decision makers together than we can alone.

The time, date and venue will be confirmed shortly.

Mathew Davies

(Monmouth)