After the last extremely successful project of 2014 from the Big Lottery(Transport For All) which covered the Llanelli and Carmarthen areas, an excellent working relationship was developed with many individuals and groups from Ammanford, Tycroes and Cross Hands area, who frequently asked whether our accessible minibus service could be extended to their community to accommodate their transport needs as there was nothing similar in the area.

In September 2017, various meetings where organised at the sheltered accommodation with groups and organisations that were concerned with the lack of transport. On the back of these consultations Llandysul a Phont Tweili Ymlaen (LPY) decided to apply for a grant to purchase another two minibuses in the Ammanford and Llanelli area.

In 2019, the grant from the Big Lottery was successful in securing £98,300 to purchase two fully accessible 16 seat minibus. In March 2019, the Older Peoples commissioner Helena Herklots and Service Users launched the new Community Transport service “Ein Cyfle I Deithio / Our opportunity to travel” at Ty Dyfryn, Ammanford.

The ribbon was cut by the Older Peoples Commissioner, Helena Herklots. LPY Chairman Tom Cowcher said “This is a very special day, for our organisation, the minibus will provide groups / organisations in Ammanford with access to essential community services and can be used to help groups and communities promote cohesion, social inclusion, regeneration, rural health, wellbeing”. He went on to thank The Lottery for the funding, Family Housing at Ty Dyfryn for all their support.

The Ammanford project has now been operating over a year and has proven a valid asset for many individuals, groups and organisations in and around Ammanford. One of those groups is Ty Dyffryn, who have regularly been utilising the minibus to go shopping in Tesco’s every Thursday. Other groups have used the minibus to go on  shopping trips to Llanelli, cinema or just visiting a local garden centre, which has reduced isolation but also enabled them to make friends.

Pictured: Left to right Richard Davies Treasurer LPY, Anne Edwards, project development officer, Karen Dusgate CEO Family Housing Project officer, Rachel Richards, Big Lottery Officer, Christine Boston CTA Wales CEO, Tom Cowcher, Chair of LPTY, Helena Herklots, Older Peoples Commissioner.

Below is the video about the project.