Transport

Prior to writing the Partnership Strategic Plan a great deal of effort was put in to gathering information about the availability of public and other transport facilities through the area. For years there has been a decline in public transport nationally and the Forest of Dean never did have a high level of bus services other than to the main centres.

The decline in employment locally and the loss of small village stores, together with development of out of town retail parks have all led to a huge increase in private vehicle ownership. Whilst vehicle ownership generally in the Forest is high, many are unable to afford this luxury that has now become a necessity.

The Coleford Area Partnership is working through a Strategic group that encompasses the whole Forest of Dean in order to try to identify what services can be improved and where this can provide the best value. The Forest Link Service was tried but unfortunately failed to obtain further funding after the initial period.

In the meantime we do have dedicated groups of volunteers running services such at Lydcare, Bream Car Service, Dial-a-Ride etc. We also have a very high percentage of taxi firms operating in the area.