A COMMUNITY scheme in the Machynlleth area is celebrating its 12th year of providing transport to local residents.

Community Action Machynlleth and District started the community transport scheme in April 2005 with CAMAD manager Linda Hayward saying that the service had survived despite funding concerns during the 12 years.

The scheme, which has provided a vital transport link for many residents of the Machynlleth area in reaching things like hospital appointments, has eight volunteer drivers, who also deliver meals-on-wheels in Machynlleth, but Linda said they are always keen to attract more drivers.

She said: “We are now not far off from our 1,000th journey. It has been a struggle over the years to continue the service, but with a small grant from Powys County Council and support from funders such as Laura Ashley we are now in our 12th year.

“Our drivers have taken local residents to appointments they might otherwise have missed due to lack of public transport, including to hospitals such as Bronglais, Morriston, Gobowen, Cardiff and Liverpool.

“Without the goodwill of our volunteers this service would not be possible.”

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