ABERAERON’S long-awaited health centre has moved a step nearer to reality after members of Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet agreed a proposal to sell the town’s Minaeron offices to Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Minaeron currently houses 180 social services staff, and question marks were raised over its future after it emerged there were surplus places in the local authority’s office buildings across the county, due to a reduction in the number of staff.

Cllr Alun Williams, Cabinet member with responsibility for assets, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure an enhanced presence of health professionals in the middle of the county.

“Using the empty spaces available in the council’s other office buildings will enable us to make the very best use of our resources.

“This is a very difficult time for the public sector financially, so it makes absolute sense for the health board and the local authority to be co­-operating together in this way.”

Cllr Elizabeth Evans, local member for Aberaeron, said Minaeron had contributed to the economic growth of Aberaeron for decades and continued to play a role in the future of the town.

“If it is to be sold, then the people of Aberaeron will be pleased to hear that Hywel Dda Health Board is interested in purchasing it,” she added. “There is a long way to go but I will be keeping my fingers crossed for a happy outcome."

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