Monmouth ambulance campaigner Mathew Davies has received the response times for Monmouth in real terms, through the Freedom of Information Act.

This is in response to concerns that the statistics for Monmouthshire did not represent an accurate indication of response times in Monmouth. The Welsh Government aims to meet category A response time within eight minutes 60 per cent within a local Health Board area.

In a letter sent from the Executive Director of the Trust to the Health and Social Committee at the Welsh Assembly, figures showed that response times in Monmouth had met the performance targets.

However, the new figures show that response times to category A calls in Monmouth have failed to achieve that target five times in the last 12 months.

Mathew said: "I became suspicious when I noticed that the Health Minister and Chief Executive of the Trust make references to meeting the targets for Monmouth in official letters.

"I suspected that the figures they had provided were actually for Monmouthshire. This has now been confirmed.

"Worryingly, the mistake could have derailed attempts to launch a scrutiny inquiry called for by 450 petitioners in town."

Dawn Sharp, corporate secretary of the trust added: "There are only 10 or 11 category A calls in Monmouthshire per day and small area analysis can mean that hitting or missing one category A call can make a real difference to the figures."

The figures for non-life threatening calls in Monmouth met and exceeded the governments targets.

Mr Davies said: "My priority has been to improve the level of provision, hold the trust to account, and make Monmouth safer.

"I am happy that with the exception of category A calls provision has improved, andportable cabins will finally replace the ambulance station.

"However, it is embarrassing that I have to write to the health minister and explain that her figures were wrong."