SOLDIERS suffering from post traumatic stress disorder could be given vital help if plans for a new £3.4million treatment centre in Abergavenny are given the go-ahead.

Andrew Hurbert von Staufer who wants to create a network of centres across Wales to help provide therapy and training for soldddiers with the condition as they struggle to adapt to civilian life.

The idea is to create the first centre at Arcadia Wood, near Abergavenny, which would cost £3.4 million to create and around £1.6 million to run for the next five years.

Outline plans have been submitted to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and, if passed, a major fundraising effort will be launched including looking at lottery bids and grants.

Mr Hubert von Staufer, 63, already has the support of the site's owners Andrew Michie and Claire Love who have agreed to a free indefinite lease.

This site would be based around the boat house which was recently renovated after lying derelict.

The aim of the project, called Resettle, Recover, Reskill, is to create a series of sustainable buildings around the boat house which would provide accommodation and areas for training and treatment.

Working with other charities and organisations, former troops could gain skills to get jobs in the environmental and green sector as well as receiving treatment such as counselling and meditation.

The former meteologist said around 30 per cent of benefit claimants in South East Wales have experienced some military service in their life or background.

He said: "More than anything else we need not just therapy but to give people the ability to have a stable family life. Otherwise it means the next generation is going to be blighted by war as well."

His own late father Thomas suffered from flashbacks after the Second World War.

"My father was sent to a gulag in Siberia by the Russians in 1945. He started getting flashbacks and it was as though he was still stuck in 1945."

Mr Hubert von Staufer said there is a huge need not just for this centre but for many others across Wales.

The centre would accomodate up to 20 people, but up to 200 could be helped if centres are created across Wales.

Initial funding for each candidate would come from the army, but those referring themselves could be funded by grants and organisations such as Job Centre Plus.

Five members of staff would be employed, including qualified psychotherapists and mentors and specialist help will be contracted in.