SIR,

An elderly gentleman, on returning from the village shop on a Saturday afternoon, was found collapsed and unconscious in the street by neighbours.

His condition was beyond the help of locals and thus the emergency services were contacted.

After a further phone call and much discomfort for the gentleman, a first response medic arrived on the scene one hour after the initial call was made.

We, the helpers, were told by the medic that unfortunately he was the only available ambulance working in Monmouthshire at that time, and if a "proper" ambulance was required a further hour would elapse before that arrived.

I hope that through this letter and by further enquiry both the Assembly Government and the local Health Authority can come to their senses and show some respect for their citizens.

As I understand, the said gentleman is receiving care in hospital and will hopefully make a full recovery.

A national investigation and severe reprimands would have been made, if say, a child had died at the scene through the delay in emergency attendance.

It seems that priorities are easily misjudged when for three separate days of the week a veritable army of local government employees will collect the debris and detritus that, in the name of recycling, is left at the kerbside to become an unsightly burden.

That can be up to nine persons a week, per street where, when a life is at risk, one person patrols Monmouthshire on a Saturday afternoon.

Let us all respect each others lives.

Colin Evans

(Dingestow)