- 24/09/2018
- Posted by: Ken Skates MS
- Category: News
Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised a charitable group for its tireless work to provide community transport for isolated residents.
The Labour AM said Corwen has become the hub for a ‘fantastic’ integrated rural transport system masterminded by the South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP).
The town has its own transit fleet which includes a 16-seater minibus and a new Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which came into operation this month and will be used for a meals-on-wheels service for food prepared at SDCP’s headquarters at Canolfan Ni in Corwen.
Mr Skates heard more about the project before his recent surgery at Canolfan Ni.
He said: “The South Denbighshire Community Partnership do an incredible job. This fantastic project has opened up so many opportunities for my constituents in Corwen and the surrounding rural areas, particularly older people and those who could easily find themselves isolated for one reason or another without schemes like this.”
SDCP is led by Chief Officer Margaret Sutherland and has attracted funding from a number of sources for projects which cover social inclusion, including £350,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and £52,000 from rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd.
An all-electric Nissan Leaf with a range of 170 miles is also due for delivery next month. It will be used for a Community Car Club scheme and will be available for hire by driving licence-holders who do not have access to a car.
Mr Skates said: “SDCP also runs a wheelchair-accessible community bus which brings people from surrounding communities to the regular activities and events at Canolfan Ni and for community outings and shopping trips, even transfers to the medical centre. It’s also available for local community groups to hire.
“Projects like this are vital and their importance cannot be underestimated.”
South Denbighshire Community Partnership is looking for volunteer drivers – for more information call Margaret Sutherland on 01490 266004.
