Grade-II listed Monmouth building opens night shelter for homeless people

A building which hosts a museum in Monmouth is opening its doors as a night shelter for homeless people in the area.

Plans have been approved to open the shelter in the grade-II listed Old Market Hall giving those sleeping rough a place to stay between January and March. The building is also home to the Nelson Museum and Local History Centre.

A section of the building will offer beds to eight people and an evening meal. People using the service will be expected to be free from alcohol and drugs.

Local councillor Mat Feakins described it as a ''brave move for the council.''

Monmouthshire's housing and communities team said: "It will mitigate against the need to sleep rough and will potentially offer emergency respite accommodation.''