The summer bus service worked on a 'hail-and-ride' basis

For two seasons, people walking between Cardigan and New Quay could flag down the Cardi Bach bus. But it did not run in 2006 after Euro-funding ran out.

Ceredigion councillor Ian ap Dewi, himself a keen walker, said: "It's not been handled well."

Ceredigion Council said: "It is unfortunate cuts have to be made."

The "hail-and-ride" bus service ran through the communities of Ferwig, Mwnt, Aberporth, Tresaith, Penbryn, Llangrannog and Cwmtydu.

Once you break the continuity of the bus service - and we have already failed this year - who knows that we won't have to go back to square one? Councillor Ian ap Dewi

Named after a former train service, the Cardi Bach aimed to appeal to walkers and cyclists, allowing them to access more remote beaches and beauty spots.

Councillor ap Dewi said the county was close to officially announcing details of its own coastal path, starting in Cardigan where Pembrokeshire's coastal path ends.

He said: "The Cardi Bach was part of a service that was key to pushing forward tourism in Ceredigion, especially with the creation of the coastal path, which will be open by next summer.

Cost

"Once you break the continuity of the bus service - and we have already failed this year - who knows that we won't have to go back to square one?

"How are people expected to leave their car and walk 10, 15 or 20 miles if there are no facilities here for them to get back? This is another opportunity we have lost."

Ceredigion Council confirmed the service would have cost �12,000 to run over the summer.

Mr ap Dewi said the county council should investigate the idea, already suggested, of asking town and community councils along the route to contribute to the cost.

Cardigan town councillor Melfyn George had mixed views on the proposal.

He said: "Why should the taxpayers of Cardigan fork out �6,000 for something that benefits other areas?

'Cuts'

But he added: "If every local community council between New Quay and Cardigan were willing to contribute fairly, I would be willing to support it as well."

Ceredigion Council has previously said it would try and have the Cardi Bach back on the road in 2007.

A council spokesperson said: "The cabinet reluctantly decided not to fund the Cardi Bach bus because of the squeeze on the council's finances for 2007-08.

"The amount of subsidy required to maintain the service is beyond what the council can afford in the light of a particularly difficult year in the council's funding."

"We have to strictly prioritise our expenditure and, although it is unfortunate, cuts have to be made."