THE campaign for local residents to have a say on the future of the old Cardigan Hospital has seen many people sharing their memories of the site.

Site owners Hywel Dda health authority is in discussions with Wales and West Housing to sell off the building and surrounding grounds for social housing but a group has been set up to ensure the local community has an input into any decision.

And that group is asking for people’s memories of the old hospital ahead of a special memorial service that is being planned for February – details to be confirmed shortly.

Scores of people have already left their comments on the Cardigan Hospital Facebook site, which has been set up to promote the campaign.

Huw James was born at the hospital in 1965 and writes: “An absolute disgrace that they think that they can sell off a community supported hospital without any sort of talks or consultation with its community.

“Not even a for sale sign – there’s one on the old doctors’ surgery.

“Not that I’m against social housing, but this site is the ‘front door’ to Cardigan, seeing a load of yellow, green and blue houses is not much of a welcome.”

Oliver James says: “Could they not redevelop the site as a social hub, with various support services, charities etc for the community to access in their time of need. They could house Mental Health Support, AA, Citizens Advice etc all under one roof, in a convenient location.

“Or possibly redevelop the site as a multi emergency service hub, which is something Cardigan needs. It’s right next to the main routes in town and is in the perfect location.”

Many people have already downloaded a letter from the Facebook site which demands a say in the building’s future and can be sent to Ceredigion County Council, which is responsible for any planning decisions.