CEREDIGION AM Elin Jones has stressed how important it is for residents in Cardigan to have their voice heard on the redevelopment of the Cardigan hospital site at a drop-in session being held by Wales and West Housing.

Wales and West Housing want to relocate its main West Wales office to the town and provide 35-40 zero-carbon homes for older people.

Now Ms Jones has reinforced how important the views of the people of Cardigan will be when considering how best to use the site of the former Cardigan Hospital.

“This site is very important to the people of Cardigan, and with the plans still at an early stage, now is the time for local people to have their input,” she said.

“The drop-in event will give people the chance to discuss their ideas for the site as well as their priorities for Cardigan. They will be able to speak directly with staff and senior managers from Wales & West as well as with their local elected representatives.

“I hope many people will come along and have their say.”

A campaign has been growing in Cardigan to have a say on the site, which is being sold off by Hywel Dda health authority. It is calling for the town to be more involved in community-led housing.

The hospital site contains elements of what is believed to be the very first detached residence designed by the architect John Nash, while it is also a war memorial originally paid for by the people of Cardigan to commemorate the fallen from the First World War!

An ancient priory also stood on the site around 900 years ago.

One of those behind the campaign said: “The housing association needs to know the depth of feeling in the town towards the old hospital.

“It occupies a prime location at the entrance to Cardigan and any development must be sympathetic to its history and have the support of the local community.”

The drop-in event will be held at the Guildhall in Cardigan on Saturday (February 29), between 2.30pm and 5pm.