Options being considered over development of Cardigan Hospital

Site owners Hywel Dda health authority recently revealed that it is working alongside planning authority Ceredigion County Council to draw up proposals to sell off both parcels of land for affordable housing once patient services are transferred to the new £24m integrated care centre at Bathhouse Road at the end of the year.

Cardigan mayor Cllr Shan Williams said the possibility of calling a public meeting is one of the options being considered.

“Meeting are being set up to discuss possibilities, as both sites are absolutely pivotal to the future development and wellbeing of the town,” said Cllr Williams.

“There have been many suggestions regarding the future of the hospital, my hope is that the hospital is given back to the town and run for the benefit of this community.

“There is a need in the area for palliative care or respite care. If someone is taken ill or needs such care, people in Cardigan face a journey to Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest or Carmarthen.

“We are at the end of the line here and any hospital is at least 25 miles away.

“There are many elderly couples living in the Cardigan area who perhaps by now cannot drive. The distance to the nearest hospital is too far for an elderly spouse to embark on alone, coupled with a bus service that is totally inadequate for their needs to visit loved ones.

“Is there a way we can keep the site for the local community and care for the vulnerable people in our society? These are all ideas to be explored.”

A spokesman for Ceredigion County Council said: “Ceredigion County Council is unable to comment on this case at present due to ongoing discussions with our partner registered social landlords.

“The Local Development Plan recognises the need for housing requirements in Cardigan. Figures show that from 2007 up until 2022, 420 homes were required, with 268 homes already completed and 77 outstanding.

“A number of these will be affordable homes that will enable people to stay in the area.”