ScottishPower Foundation funding helps charity enhance the vital transport service

Llŷn based charity, O Ddrws i Ddrws, has today announced the expansion of its local community transport programme, thanks to funding from the ScottishPower Foundation.

Established in 2002, O Ddrws i Ddrws provides transport for some of the most vulnerable people living in North Wales. Many service users suffer disability and live in remote areas with limited access to public transport. The service has become a lifeline for these people: in 2014 alone, Llŷn residents took over 3,500 trips on the bus with 40% of passengers using the bus to get to the local hospital and 10% of people taking it to get to work.
 

After partnering with O Ddrws i Ddrws in 2014 and seeing the integral role it plays in the local community, the ScottishPower Foundation renewed its funding commitments for 2015. The funding has enabled O Ddrws i Ddrws to extend its Coastal Bus Service along the Wales Coastal Path.  O Ddrws i Ddrws is currently the only provider operating this route, opening up remote areas of Wales to those who do not have access to a car, as well as tourists looking to explore the beautiful Welsh coast between Abersoch and Nefyn.

Elaine Davies, Chairwoman of O Ddrws i Ddrws, said: “We are delighted that the ScottishPower Foundation has recognised the contribution we make within the local community in North West Wales and also in promoting the local area to tourists. This funding will allow us to take more residents and visitors along the coastal path. The Coastal Bus Service is making this area of natural beauty accessible to people who wouldn’t be able to get to it before and we’re delighted that with this funding we can help more people explore and enjoy the stunning Wales Coast Path, as well as continue our core services.”

Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The ScottishPower Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in local communities, across the UK, by supporting valuable local charities. O Ddrws i Ddrws exemplifies this commitment and benefits the Llŷn community both socially and financially. We are very much wishing the project luck in its second year of the Coastal Bus Service.”

The O Ddrws i Ddrws Coastal Bus Service will now run every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The route runs from Nefyn, via Aberdaron to Abersoch. The fare is £1 per journey.

For further information please contact Kirsty MacLeod or Jen Ward at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8768 or email spfoundation@stripecommunications.com

Notes to editors:

• The ScottishPower Foundation is a registered Scottish charity (SC043862) and a company limited by guarantee (SC445116). The Foundation’s aim is to make a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhance the quality of life in local communities. It provides funding to registered charities and non-profit organisations for the following purposes: the advancement of education; the advancement of environmental protection; the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of disability or other disadvantage; the advancement of citizenship and community development.
  
   
• O Ddrws i Ddrws was set up in December 2002 following an assessment by Help the Aged which highlighted the high level of elderly people living in the Llŷn Peninsula area. O Ddrws i Ddrws receives grants from other funders including the Coastal Community Fund. The charity has two minibuses and one people carrier, both of which are specifically suited for disabled people.