MARDY Park is to become a one-stop shop for the elderly, an Abergavenny councillor said.

Councillor John Prosser was speaking at a meeting of the Bryn y Cwm area committee where Alan Michie, chairman of the Bryn y Cwm Community Forum questioned the change in use of some of the respite bedrooms into offices.

Councillor Prosser said Monmouthshire County Council has been reviewing the services at Mardy Park which had been overstaffed for the demands placed on the services.

The review had been a sensible idea because it would enable the council to get best value from the resource centre.

He said: "It has been proposed that some beds will close and the space made available for future services to make it a one-stop shop for the elderly.

"The officers took on board comments made by members of the scrutiny committee.

"Mardy Park will offer more services which is good for the future. There may be casualties but the future at Mardy Park is secure and a better service will be provided. The review hasn't yet gone to the cabinet."

Mr Michie said demand for respite beds could vary at different times of the year.

Councillor Simon Howarth said, "Respite care could be seasonal but it is a very important facility for the people of Monmouthshire. Carers are looking for support and to recuperate themselves when they use this facility and I would hate to see it taken away because it plays a vital role for the people of this county.

"I understand bookings are being taken in April for space in October or November."

Councillor Brian Hood said extra care housing is available at Lavender Gardens which is close to Mardy Park and they all worked very well together.

"We are moving away from the old residential care to more extra care housing or supporting people in their own homes."

Llantilio Pertholey community councillor Philip Jones said this review emphasised the importance of communication between the county council and his own council because Mardy Park is on their patch.

He said: "It is intended to be a hub for services like Meals on Wheels and district nurses. A lot of the respite care patients need nursing care but staffing hours have been cut so that does not equate well to a busy hub."

The chairman of Bryn y Cwm Councillor Maureen Powell said she would raise the matter with the director for health and social care Simon Burch.