At a local meeting at Y Ganolfan organised by Councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn recently, the focus was placed on public transport in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“There has been unease for some time that the Welsh Government has been discussing creating a public transport system that connects buses and trains across Wales, but the reality is that changes are not reaching rural areas, such as Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd.

“Our problems have arisen due to changes to two bus services in the town, the T22 and the T19 both of which have had a direct impact on passengers in the town.

“The T22 service has been reduced and it no longer reaches Tafarn y Cwm – causing frustration for the older and more vulnerable residents who find it difficult to reach the bus stop near the station.

“Parents have also raised concerns regarding the bus service that used to run from Blaenau to Manod from Ysgol y Moelwyn on top of the scrapping of the T19 bus service that connected Blaenau with Llandudno back in February 2023. The train service does not achieve what the bus was able to do and has created a diminished service for local people. There was an opportunity during the meeting for local people to voice their opinions and share their comments.

“We were very fortunate to have the presence of the cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Craig ab Iago to hear the concerns and share his views about the situation.

Councillor Craig ab Iago said: “With the ever-increasing pressure on the public purse, we are seeing endless cuts from the Government in Cardiff and until change comes centrally, it will be very difficult to propose any real changes to the public transport network in Blaenau.

“Having said this, receiving input from local people helps us keep an open mind as any new opportunities arise within government funded public transport.

“I am pleased to be able to come out to communities to hear first-hand how local people feel about the provision offered by the council or the Government. Hearing the stories behind the challenges people face gives me the opportunity to guide policy and try to influence the Government's work. Thank you for the warm welcome and for the joint-working with Councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn.”