Ceredigion council scraps Aberystwyth park and ride scheme

The free park and ride scheme in Aberystwyth will be scrapped from August, Ceredigion council has said.

It said the number of people who used the buses, which travel to the town centre and Bronglais hospital, had "remained modest" and it had no plans to renew the contract.

Older people wishing to travel to the hospital could use other services for free with a bus pass, the council said.

The decision has been described as "disappointing".

Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies said the park and ride was a valued scheme, particularly for elderly people to access hospital services.

He added: "What's surprised me was that the council have taken this decision without consulting with the users of the bus service, and I'm surprised and disappointed about that."

A council spokesman said the public would be notified of all alternative provision well before August.

'Ageing population'

Paul Hinge, chairman of Hywel Dda community health council said any end to a service bringing people to a hospital was "not a good idea".

He said: "We've got an ageing population who cannot drive, and we need to have a quality bus service which bring them from the centre of town to the hospital so they can attend their appointments.

"Why they haven't come out with any kind of consultation I don't know."