Helen Mary and Myfanwy call for urgent review of Kidwelly transport

Responding to the concerns of Kidwelly residents regarding the loss of the ‘dial a ride’ town bus service and difficulties in using the train service, Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli and local AM Helen Mary Jones have asked for a series of meetings to look at the effects of poor transport and to find solutions. Myfanwy has written to Plaid leader and Minister for Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones to ask his officers to assess the impact of limited access to transport on Kidwelly residents and businesses. Helen Mary has also asked for a meeting with County Council officials to discuss the future of the ‘dial a ride’ scheme which had used local taxi and minibus companies to provide services within Kidwelly town but which will come to an end next month (December) as no tenders were submitted for the service.

Myfanwy said:
“Train, bus and taxi companies in Kidwelly are making commercial decisions based on their assessment of demand. In the case of the train company however, it is likely that the current arrangements where passengers catch the train by hailing it like a cab and need to ask for the train to stop at Kidwelly, serve to discourage potential train users. Helen Mary and I want a proper analysis made of the effects these transport problems may have on businesses and residents in Kidwelly. We are also keen to discuss with the Council what progress has been made towards meeting the gap in transport services left by the failure to maintain ‘Dial a ride’ contracts.

Helen Mary said:

“The railway station has been in need of upgrading for many years. Now with the ‘dial a ride’ town service being withdrawn we need to take a really good look at transport needs in Kidwelly and see what support we can find to provide necessary services.

Huw Gilasbey, Kidwelly Town Councillor said:

“Many people in Kidwelly with limited mobility depend on the ‘dial a ride’ service and are distressed that it is being lost. It is also high time that proper thought was given to upgrading Kidwelly station because it is not fit for a town of our size”.