St Cadoc's Court in Raglan is due to close after more than 40 years of service to the village.

The home for the elderly opened its doors in 1970 and was the first purpose built elderly care community to be built in Monmouthshire.

It included 24 old persons flatlets with communal lounge and warden's dwelling.

In 1971, St Cadoc's Court was awarded the Housing Medal Award for 'Higher Density Local Authority Schemes'. Jean Langley the warden of St Cadoc's Court for 26 years was invited by the Secretary of State for Wales and the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects to the award ceremony held in the banqueting Hall, Cardiff Castle in 1971.

David Morris, Director of Housing and Communities at Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) who managed the building, said in a statement issued today (18th November): "The decision has been made by MHA's board to close St Cadocs Court following concerns for some years that it was becoming increasingly unpopular with an increasing number of empty flats.

"MHA subsequently appointed an external consultant to review the scheme. They found the flats were cramped and too small for modern living, they had shared bathroom facilities, no available lift and unsuitable heating systems.

"The building did not lend itself to reconfiguration so the difficult decision was made to close the scheme.

"MHA has been liaising closely with residents and their families at St Cadocs Court and are supporting those remaining to move into suitable alternative accommodation.

"St Cadocs Court will be demolished in the new year but no decision has been reached as yet around its future use.

"Officers will continue to keep the local community informed on progress."