A new ambulance station for Monmouth is the ‘highest priority’ for the Welsh Ambulance Service according to its Chief Executive in an address to the service’s most recent board meeting at the end of 2024.

The comments by Jason Killens have been warmly welcomed by Conservative Leader Richard John as recognition that the current portable cabin and mothballed station are wholly unsuitable.

It is understood that the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust is already in pre-planning talks with Monmouthshire County Council ahead of the submission of a formal planning application for a new station later this year.

It is expected that the new station is likely to require the demolition of the existing building to make way for a new single-storey station.

Following the closure of the old ambulance station due to roofing issues, a portable cabin was installed as a temporary measure 13 years ago, but has been condemned as unfit for purpose. The portable cabin leaks, is draughty and if the pipes freeze in winter paramedics can be left without running water.

The Trust had set aside £500,000 this financial year for design costs of the new station, with the build, subject to planning permission, expected in the 2025-26 financial year.

Cllr Richard John said, “I really welcome the news that delivering a new station for Monmouth is finally being made a top priority but this is also effectively an admission that the facilities for paramedics in Monmouth are the worst in Wales.

“We’re all in awe of the lifesaving work paramedics do, but they’re expected to work in the most shameful conditions, in a cold leaky portable cabin that sometimes doesn’t even have running water.

“I hope the council will be providing the necessary support to ensure a smooth planning process and a prompt decision to help deliver this new station.”