GWAUN Cae Gurwen councillors have donated cash to a transport service that helps bring people together in the Amman Valley.

DANSA deliver low cost transport services across the areas of Tairgwaith, Gwaun Cae Gurwen, Cwmgors and Lower Brynaman, for those who may not have access to conventional transport.

At a recent council meeting, members were told the service was struggling due to a lack of funding and no longer being eligible to receive Rural Development Funding.

Councillors decided to help ease the financial pressure by donating £500 towards the service in the Upper Amman Valley area.

Alison Owen from DANSA said the money will help retain the service in the Amman Valley.

“On behalf of DANSA we would like to thank the members of the council for this fantastic gift,” she said.

“As we are a not for profit organisation we rely on donations and funding to keep the operation going for the local people.”

DANSA provides transport for older people, people with disabilities and those unable to access public transport.

The service also helps charities and organisations that need affordable transport.

“We currently run three cars in the Amman Valley area, and we are always on the lookout for more volunteer drivers,” said Alison.

“The service not only gets people more mobile but it brings people together — there are a lot of isolated people in the area who could really benefit from using our service.

“At DANSA we don’t just ferry you to your hospital or doctor appointment, we also run shopping trips where people get picked up, do a spot of shopping in Neath, have a pub lunch then get dropped off back home again after.”

Councillors Morlais Pugh and Geoff Moore happily handed over a cheque for £500 on behalf of the community council to Alison this week.

Cllr Pugh said, “The work they do is fantastic and the service is a lifeline for people in the community.”

Cllr Moore thanked Alison adding: “With so many public transport buses being axed over the last year, many isolated people rely on services like DANSA.

"It is a pleasure to be able to help them.”

If you would like to know more about becoming a member of DANSA call 01639 751067 or visit the website dansa.org.uk

DANSA provides community transport for the Dulais, Afan, Neath, Swansea and Amman Valley areas.