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RESIDENTS of Pentyrch are concerned that their surgery could be moving two miles away from the village to a site in Rhydlafar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GP surgery in Pentyrch is currently run out of a temporary base and plans have been put forward for a new two-storey building with various treatment rooms and a pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But many residents have been left dismayed that their new surgery won’t be in the village and instead will be built two miles away, causing concern for those who cite a lack of public transport between Pentyrch and Rhydlafar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m 80 this year, I can\u2019t guarantee that I\u2019ll be able to drive in the next couple of years. People, like myself, are going to be totally isolated,\u201d said Judy Keenor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Keenor, 79, said she would be happy with the move to Rhydlafar if suitable transport was sorted for residents who don\u2019t have access to a car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is common sense in the end. If you can\u2019t find a suitable site in the village, you have to go elsewhere,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentyrch Community Council (PCC) have set-up a transport working group to tackle the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCC argue that transport issues of those in Pentyrch were ignored in the Transport Assessment conducted by Asbri Transport on behalf of Assura Spire Ltd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike Colley, lead person of Pentyrch\u2019s neighbourhood watch group (NHW), said:\u00a0\u201cWe have no criticism of the staff at the surgery. This is about the proposal of moving the surgery two miles away, where there is no public transport, and it will disenfranchise those who don\u2019t have access to a vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a survey conducted by NHW group, 78% of respondents opposed the move of Pentyrch surgery to Rhydlafar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jo-Anne Ford is looking forward to the new medical centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We just need a decent surgery. Rhydlafar is our only alternative and I’m all for it,” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Ford left Pentyrch surgery because of the lack of privacy in the temporary portacabin facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to switch to Radyr surgery but I didn\u2019t want others to hear what I was discussing with the doctor,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Ford, 70, intends to transfer back to Pentyrch surgery when it is moved to the new Rhydlafar site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the cover letter of a petition to Cardiff Council, which objected to Pentyrch surgery moving to Rhydlafar, Ruth Holland wrote: \u201cResidents feel it is discriminating against some of our most vulnerable people, those who are elderly and those who do not own a car, making a visit to the doctor \u2013 when you are unwell \u2013 impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The petition received 346 signatures from residents in Pentyrch, Rhydlafar and surrounding areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom a selfish point of view, I\u2019ve got a car so it\u2019s not really an issue for me. But you have to think about everybody. Many won\u2019t be able to get to the surgery in Rhydlafar,\u201d said Karen Jordan, a resident of Pentyrch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The planning statement claims that the Rhydlafar site is \u201ceasily accessible by pedestrian routes\u201d. Residents have disputed this claim because the only way to get to Rhydlafar from Pentyrch is via Church Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Colley argues that Church Road is unsafe for pedestrians because of the 60mph speed limit, lack of pavement and the multiple blind bends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n