TWO safe zone schemes in Ceredigion are to be scrapped - but two will resume next week.

Ceredigion County Council have announced this afternoon that the pedestrianisation schemes in New Quay and Cardigan won’t return on Monday once the firebreak lockdown ends.

The scheme in Aberaeron will return and Aberystwyth will implement the safe zone scheme two days a week, on Friday and Saturdays.

The safe zone schemes in all four towns were suspended during the firebreak lockdown.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said this afternoon: “In Cardigan and New Quay, the roads will continue to remain open, returning to their original town centre layout as it was before the safe zone arrangements started.

“In Aberaeron, the current safe zone arrangements will remain in place.

“In Aberystwyth the roads that are usually closed on a daily basis will only close between 11am and 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays from 13 November.

“In addition, there will be controlled blue badge holder access to Eastgate from Portland Street as well as controlled access to Chalybeate Street from Terrace Road. Additional disabled bays will be implemented at the top of Eastgate soon.”

Giving its reasoning for bringing the safe zone scheme back to the streets of Aberystwyth on a part time basis, Ceredigion Council said: “The higher infection rates in the Aberystwyth area, higher footfall at weekends, the number of visitor and student numbers means that measures are needed at peak times.

“The adjustments strike the right balance between unrestricted access Sunday to Thursday and reducing risks at busier times where people can enjoy more room to shop and visit services.

“These adjustments take into account a wide range of information including the results of the survey undertaking during the summer, feedback received since then, Covid-19 infection rates and its prevalence in different areas, peak trading times, student and visitor numbers and the time of the year.

“Data will continue to be monitored so that Safe Zone implementation is kept under review. It is likely that the above changes will be in place until 01 January 2021. Areas which are closed 24/7 and parking restrictions will remain in place.”

The key purpose of the safe zones was to allow pedestrians more space to socially distance in four Ceredigion towns.

A Ceredigion Council spokesperson added: “Thankfully our levels have remained relatively low compared to other counties.

“However, we must remain cautious and ensure there continues to be appropriate measures in place to safeguard people in our county.”