Pledge over Powys 999 service

Ambulance bosses have given a commitment to improving the 999 service provided in Llanfyllin after concerns were raised over coverage in the town.

Richard Lee, Wales Ambulance Service regional director, addressed town councillors last night.

They were particularly worried about how often the town's ambulance is called away to deal with incidents in other areas of Mid Wales.

But Mr Lee said the service and, in particular, response times had improved in north Powys in the last 18 months.

He said: "The commitment I will give you is that things have got better and things will get better."

He said the town's ambulance was in Llanfyllin 40 per cent of its time answering calls but in Welshpool 46 per cent of its time.

He said on occasions it had been in Chirk and as far as Llandrindod Wells.

But he said a host of improvements had been introduced to ensure ambulances stay in their local area as much as possible.

The improvements have included the introduction of a response car which is sent to Llanfyllin from Newtown to cover the area when the Llanfyllin ambulance is called away.

He said a team of community first responders now played a key part in emergency aid and a high dependency ambulance was being introduced, allowing Llanfyllin paramedics to stay in the town.

Mr Lee said: "Powys has been seen as a bit difficult, a bit rural.

"Last year we put an improvement plan in place. We now have better response times."

Councillor Darren Mayor, who had said he was worried the town was receiving a "second class service", welcomed Mr Lee's presentation.