New respite centres to be built on site of old school

TWO new respite centres are set to be built on the site of the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School, Caerphilly County Borough Council has said.

The new centres, one of which will be for children while the other will be for adults, will come at a cost of more than £4.6 million.

Respite facilities provide temporary relief for unpaid carers, supporting families and unpaid carers to continue with their caring role.

Currently the county borough has three respite facilities; Ty Gwilym, Mont Claire and Ty Hapus. But according to the council, these are no longer fit for purpose.

In a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, October 13, Dave Street, the council’s Corporate Director of Social Services and Housing, said: “These buildings are quite old.

“The care provided is first class and we have got a one-off opportunity to make them fit for purpose.”

The development of the two buildings are part of the council’s place shaping agenda.

Outdoor space and a soft play area will also be provided for visitors to use.

The adult facility will have nine bedrooms, meeting the current capacity.

The childrens’ facility will have six beds, which is an increase of two to meet the rising demand.

The number of bedrooms are purposely low to achieve a “homely environment”.

Approximately 100 individuals visit Ty Gwilym and Montclaire, and 30 children access Ty Hapus.

Leader of the council, Philippa Marsden, said the project to improve respite care facilities had been “a long time coming”.

Once the new facilities are complete and available to use, Mont Claire will be returned to council housing stock and turned into two family homes.

The usage of Ty Gwilym will be reviewed closer to the time as it may be suitable for emergency extended stay accommodation for children with disabilities.

Ty Hapus will be sold and will generate a capital receipt.

Individuals who use Mont Claire, Ty Gwilym and Ty Hapus have been informed of the new development.

All staff will be transferred to the new facilities.