THE decision to close a dementia unit at Chepstow Community Hospital could face a legal challenge from Monmouthshire Council.

Councillors have been told that there is a “strong case” for a judicial review against the move by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB).

Cabinet member for social care, safeguarding and health, Cllr Penny Jones (Con, Raglan), said: “We do believe we would be on strong grounds but are very conscious of the implications on our long-standing relationships with a key partner.”

The closure of the 15-bed St Pierre ward was approved on March 21 as part of a re-design of older adult mental health services across the Gwent region.

Cllr Jones said that ABUHB closed the ward at the earliest opportunity based on “clinical advice to ensure patient safety”.

“Since that decision we have received a representation that indicates that this is not a unanimous clinical view,” she told the meeting of the full council last week.

Plans to create a health and social care hub in southern Monmouth­shire are already underway and will be reported back to the council in September.