A CAMPAIGNER has warned that plans for 56 extra care apartments on the site of the former Plas Morolowg flats near Aberystwyth harbour could end up becoming “a gulag” for some older people.

Wales and West Housing Association revealed the plans for the four-storey building at a drop-in event at the Hub community centre in Penparcau, attended by around 50 people.

Shayne Hembrow, the deputy chief executive and commercial director of the housing association, said: “People were really supportive of the need for an extra care scheme in the town and gave us many comments as to how we could improve the design, especially given the prominence of the location.

“It was good to meet people who live next door to the site and speak to them about what it is like to live there and what we would like to do with the site.

“They remembered the previous building and were keen the new development was a considerable improvement. ”

However, concerns have been raised by care campaigners who have questioned whether the Trefechan site is the best location for an extra care facility.

George Holloway, of the former Save Bodlondeb campaign group which is continuing to push for better care services across Ceredigion, said: “I honestly believe that there is a role for extra care housing, or ‘homes for life’, in the provision of care and support for people, in this instance aged over 55.

“However, due to its isolated location, Plas Morolwg may not be ideal.

“The main issues relating to the proposed Plas Morolwg development are related to the position it occupies, on the outskirts of town and up a fairly narrow road with no pedestrian access.

“There is a real possibility of this development becoming a gulag for the less mobile older people in our community.”

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