A NEW community transport initiative is being launched in Cardigan to enable local people to access the Integrated Care Centre.

A survey carried out with patients revealed that many people have problems accessing the centre via public transport.

And, following a reduction of local bus services due to reduced funding and the lingering effects of the pandemic, Cardigan town councillors have frequently expressed dismay at the difficulties so many have experienced in meeting medical appointments

Now The Friends of Cardigan Community Health Care (the former Cardigan Hospital League of Friends charity) have teamed up with local community transport experts Dolen Teifi plus social enterprise 4CG to provide a disabled-friendly vehicle – ‘Bws Bro Bach’ – that will be able to give people lifts to the centre from locations in and around Cardigan as a pilot initiative.

The electric vehicle will be provided by Dolen Teifi and manned by volunteer drivers. The vehicle will be based at 4CG in Pwllhai and the Friends charity will subsidise all journeys to the ICC.

 “It’s a pilot scheme and if it proves successful we will look to roll it out into surrounding local communities,” said 4CG director Clive Davies.

“It will be focused on taking people to appointments at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre. I am convinced the need is there for this pilot service and 4CG is more than happy to back this community initiative.”

Friends Chair Catrin Miles said: “It plugs a gap in the existing transport network and the Friends will be subsidising trips to the ICC.

“Even though there is a town bus service it does not always correspond with individual appointments at the centre.”

And Dolen Teifi Chair Tom Cowcher added: “Anyone wishing to use the service should simply ring Dolen Teifi. This will be a seven-day-a-week service.

“We operate a 26-vehicle fleet and all our transport services rely purely on volunteer drivers.

“We want to thank the drivers that have already come forward to support the pilot. We are always keen to hear from new drivers so, if you or someone you know would like to become part of our growing volunteer team in the Cardigan area then please get in touch.”

Two years ago town councillors claimed that a lack of local buses was ‘stripping people of their freedom’.

“How on earth do they get to the health centre on time and then back home again?” asked Morvenna Richards, a council member at the time.

“If your appointment doesn’t fit in with the running time of the remaining buses then you have a very long wait to get one back into town.”

To book a lift contact Dolen Teifi on 01559 362403.